Beni Mellal faces political crisis over waste management

The city of Beni Mellal is facing intense political debate and public criticism following a crisis in waste management and sanitation services. The accumulation of refuse in various neighborhoods has sparked calls for transparency and accountability from residents, human rights activists, and political figures.

Internal friction has emerged within the city council's governing majority. While the Justice and Development Party (PJD) issued a statement criticizing the decline in sanitation services and calling for the relocation of the municipal landfill, members of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM) have questioned the PJD's responsibility, noting that the official delegated to manage the sector belongs to the PJD.

Beyond sanitation, local leaders have raised concerns regarding environmental and urban issues. The Unified Socialist Party has warned of health risks from odors and gases emitted by the landfill, while other activists have accused authorities of failing to protect the city's historical urban heritage and watercourses. Additionally, labor unions have reported assaults against municipal workers, prompting threats of organized advocacy actions.