HIBAPRESS – Mohamed Zerriouh
Just days after the paving and renovation works commenced in the city of Nador, particularly in the city center and the main street leading to Taouima towards the city entrance, as part of an ambitious program to improve infrastructure, enhance urban space quality, and boost neighborhood aesthetics, a number of merchants find themselves facing a dire situation that threatens their daily livelihoods.
Despite the importance of these projects, which the residents had welcomed optimistically, their management has caused widespread discontent among shop owners along this vital axis, especially in the Bassou district. The sidewalks, which were dug up and partially removed to facilitate the works, have not been restored to their original condition and remain in a dilapidated state. Meanwhile, the debris from the works, including soil, rubble, and cement bags, has accumulated in front of the shop facades.
Merchants complain that these remnants have obscured the visibility of their shops and made it difficult for customers to access them. This is in addition to the dense dust that invades their merchandise and causes daily financial losses. One affected merchant told the newspaper: "We are not against reform; in fact, we are the first to demand it, but not in this manner. Customers can no longer reach us, and the sidewalk has become dangerous for pedestrians."
The affected parties call on the responsible authorities, led by the Nador Municipal Council and the company in charge of the works, to expedite the completion of the works, restore the sidewalks to their condition, and immediately remove the construction debris. They also urge adherence to execution deadlines and work quality, so that beautification projects do not turn into a source of disfigurement and suffering.
The challenge today is to complete these works in the best possible way, serving the city's aesthetics while preserving the interests of merchants and residents alike, given that the street leading to Taouima is one of the city's vital arteries and its main entrance.
