HIBAPRESS – A. Mahyawi
The commune of Ain Chkaf, belonging to the Moulay Yacoub province, is experiencing a rising local debate regarding the process of completing and rehabilitating the central market, following the circulation of information indicating the conclusion of three consecutive deals concerning the same facility during different presidential terms.
According to consistent local sources, the first deal was concluded during the term of a former president, followed by a second deal during the term of another president, before a third deal was concluded during the current term. This chronological sequence of deals has brought back to the forefront questions from a number of local actors about the nature of the completed works, their extent of integration, and the size of the financial allocations spent at each stage.
The circulating data also indicates that the market was put up for auction during the current term, at a time when a debate is being raised about the extent of completion of administrative and technical procedures, primarily the certificate of conformity, as it is an essential document that proves the project's compliance with the applicable legal standards.
A number of those interested in local affairs considered that the succession of deals on the same project calls for official clarifications regarding the feasibility of each stage of the works, and whether there is a comprehensive technical study that frames the various interventions, in order to avoid any overlap or re-implementation of the same components, while emphasizing the importance of subjecting the project to a thorough assessment that defines responsibilities when necessary.
In the midst of this controversy, calls have emerged to open an administrative and financial audit to ascertain the circumstances of the management of this project, and the extent to which public procurement procedures and the rules of good governance are respected, with the possibility of intervention by the specialized monitoring committees of the Ministry of Interior, within the framework of the powers conferred to them by law.
On the other hand, a number of observers of regional affairs praise what they consider to be administrative dynamism witnessed by the region under the supervision of the governor of Moulay Yacoub province, pointing to the importance of concerted efforts by various officials and elected officials to raise the level of local management, and to overcome any previous imbalances, in a way that enhances confidence in institutions and establishes the principles of transparency and accountability.
As of this time, no detailed official clarification has been issued by the Municipal Council regarding the various points raised, while the main bet remains to ensure the protection of public funds and achieve efficiency in the implementation of projects directly related to the interests of the population.
