HIBAPRESS – Ahmed El Massaadi
The council of the Oujda municipality concluded its ordinary session for October on Tuesday evening, October 13th, for the year 2026. This conclusion followed marathon deliberations spread across three consecutive sessions (October 7th, 12th, and 13th), presided over by Mohammed Azzawi, the head of the council, in the presence of the city's Pasha and the members representing various political factions.
The session highlighted 24 key points that received the council's approval. These points encompassed strategic files related to the budget, infrastructure, market restructuring, sustainable urban transport development, environmental sustainability, and international cooperation, with a financial envelope and qualitative projects shaping the future of the eastern capital.
Financial Balances and Surplus Management
The municipal finance file topped the council's agenda, with the approval of the municipality's budget for the fiscal year 2027, alongside the amendment of the 2026 budget. Discussions focused on achieving a balance between available resources and the city's growing needs, with optimal utilization of the estimated surplus through a clear action plan for urban area development.
Local Economy: 80 Million Dirhams for Market Development and Property Valorization
The economic sector witnessed decisive decisions to link commercial development with infrastructure. The council allocated a substantial financial envelope for the development of economic facilities:
– Central Market (Bab Sidi Abdul Wahab): It was officially decided to increase the allocations for this important project, which will host retail fish and meat vendors, from 35 million dirhams to 50 million dirhams (an increase of 15 million dirhams). This project is entirely funded by the Oujda municipality.
– Sidi Yahya Oasis: A lease agreement for the park and its affiliated shops was approved with the Ministry of Endowments. The Oujda municipality committed to injecting 30 million dirhams alone to develop the oasis and transform it into an integrated tourism, entertainment, and economic hub.
– Development of Commercial Infrastructure: Official endorsement of a multi-party partnership agreement (including the Wilaya, the Oriental Region Council, the Municipality, and the Regional Projects Implementation Agency) to develop and modernize the weekly market "Klouche," as well as a decision to acquire a plot of land in the Al-Nahda neighborhood to establish a model market and an indoor hall.
Transportation and Mobility: Oujda Tramway and Doubling School Transport Support
In the municipality's endeavor to address traffic and urban mobility issues, the council approved a package of structural decisions:
– Cooperation and Bus Institution: Approval of the agreement to establish the inter-municipal cooperation institution "Oujda Angad for Transport and Mobility," and the signing of an agreement with the local development company responsible for this facility to organize urban transport lines.
– Doubling the School Transport Budget: The council agreed to increase the municipality's contribution to managing the school transport facility in the Oujda-Angad province by 100%, bringing the amount to 2 million dirhams, up from one million dirhams.
– Sustainable Mobility Plan and Tramway Project: Approval of the preparation of the sustainable urban mobility plan, with an emphasis on continuing advocacy for the "tramway" project, included in the municipality's 2022-2027 action plan, to reduce congestion and modernize the city's image in the future.
Infrastructure and Environment: 40 Million Dirhams for Neighborhood Development and Water Rationalization
The urban development file was given high priority through the allocation of 40 million dirhams from the estimated surplus to implement the second phase of the project for developing under-equipped neighborhoods, in parallel with agreements to oversee the development of road intersections and the installation of decorative lighting.
The council approved the amended version of the modification annex for the reuse of treated wastewater for irrigating green spaces (including Oujda, Ahl Angad, Sidi Maafa, and Golf Isly).
Furthermore, approval was granted to remove a property with an area of 5328 m² from public municipal property and annex it to private property for investment projects, with a portion of another property allocated for the establishment of an urban transport bus station and a garage for the Honorary Stadium.
Cultural Outreach and Memory Preservation
Cultural Work and International Cooperation: The management of programs and festivals was delegated to the local development company "Oujda for Animation and Development," with the approval of an organizational agreement to commemorate the 21st anniversary of the twinning agreement between Oujda and the French city of Lille.
Consolidating National Memory: A collective decision was made to name several streets, alleys, and public squares in the city after prominent figures of the resistance, the national movement, and the liberation army.
Conclusion of Works: Consensus and Emphasis on Participatory Work
The session concluded with serious discussions among the various political components of the council, with the aim of improving collective performance. Council head Mohammed Azzawi expressed his appreciation to the Wali of the Oriental Region, the Governor of Oujda-Angad province, the President of the Region, the Pasha of the city, all decentralized services, members, and employees for their diligent efforts, emphasizing the council's commitment to continuing collaborative work to implement programmed projects and achieve the aspirations of the population under the wise leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
