HIBAPRESS
Civil society actors in the city of Berrechid have called on the authorities to find immediate solutions for the traders affected by the sudden closure of the Qasba market, who have found themselves deprived of their daily livelihood.
The regional coordination of civil society actors and bodies in Berrechid said in a statement, a copy of which was obtained by HIBAPRESS, that it "is following with great concern and strong condemnation the sudden closure of the Qasba market in Berrechid, which took place without prior notice, without any dialogue or consultation with the affected traders, and in the absence of the Municipal Council as the competent legal authority."
The coordination added that "this sudden measure has caused a state of shock and terror among traders and citizens, and has led to the deprivation of dozens of families of their daily livelihood, and has also disrupted the economic and social life of the city, in a clear violation of the principles of participatory approach and respect for economic and social rights guaranteed constitutionally."
The same body affirmed that "organizing and qualifying commercial spaces is a legitimate demand, but it stresses in return that any decision of this size must be preceded by a serious and responsible dialogue, and that it provides clear alternatives and transitional arrangements that preserve the dignity of traders and ensure social stability before closure."
Following that, the coordination condemned "the way the Qasba market was closed without involving the concerned parties. Rather, they were informed of its consequences in the public street," holding "the parties that took the decision fully responsible for its social and economic consequences," and demanding "the opening of an urgent dialogue with the representatives of the traders, and the involvement of the Municipal Council in any decision concerning local affairs."
The same body called for "finding alternative and immediate solutions that guarantee the right of traders to work and a decent living," while at the same time demanding "finding urgent solutions for the traders of the Al-Hassani neighborhood market, which the authorities demolished recently," and confirming that "social stability is not achieved by sudden decisions, but by dialogue, transparency, respect for the law and the rights of citizens."
