The delegated management of paid parking lots in the urban commune of Inezgane, carried out by Omar Amine, member of the National Rally of Independents (RNI, majority) sitting on the Souss-Massa Regional Council, arouses strong indignation among the local population. Residents denounce pricing deemed excessive and disproportionate to their purchasing power, with fees set at 8 dirhams for traders and professionals at local markets and 12 dirhams for visitors.
This popular discontent intensified following the decision of the Inezgane Municipal Council, led by elected representatives of the RNI, to proceed, on the recommendation of Omar Amine, with controversial developments. The latter consist of obstructing access to vacant lots located in the city center, particularly around key locations such as “Souk Al Houria”, “Souk Tlat” and the wholesale and semi-wholesale fruit market, vegetables, dried fruits and dates. These lands, formerly accessible to motorists, have been made impassable by the digging of pits, to force users to use the paid parking lots managed under the delegation regime.
Residents strongly criticize the Municipal Council for having disfigured the urban landscape and restricted freedom of movement in public spaces by such a measure. This decision is described as an abuse of power, especially since the local authorities seem to remain passive in the face of this situation.
Furthermore, the population points to a potential conflict of interest, as well as suspicions of insider trading in the award of this contract to Omar Amine. Many observers denounce the partial nature of this award, which directly benefits an influential political figure from the party in charge of municipal management.
-Criticism also abounds over the method used, seen as a misuse of public space in the service of private interests to the detriment of the well-being of citizens and the fundamental right to free and unhindered movement.
This affair, which taints Aziz Akhannouch’s party, weakened by a series of scandals, continues to fuel the anger of residents and raises questions about the ethics of local governance in Inezgane, in a context where transparency and equity are demanded by civil society. In short, the evil tongues conclude, this is the “akhannouchization” of the management of the Ssi Aziz government at the local level.
