Souss-Massa Region faces financial irregularities and political tension

A joint report by the General Inspectorate of Territorial Administration and the General Inspectorate of Finance has uncovered significant financial irregularities and legal violations in the management of public procurement within the Souss-Massa Regional Council. The findings, covering the years 2022 and 2023, highlight issues regarding negotiated contracts, purchase orders, and agreements with private companies.

Key findings include inflated costs for the regional development program, where an estimated cost of 6.36 million dirhams was recorded without objective criteria. The report also noted the unjustified exclusion of competitors during technical evaluations and the execution of negotiated contracts without the required prior authorization from the Minister of the Interior. Additionally, an investigation revealed unjustified payments related to the rental of a field hospital and tent for COVID-19 response, where a company reportedly received duplicate payments for transport and installation services.

Parallel to these financial concerns, the Souss-Massa region is navigating internal political friction. While the regional council has continued to approve development projects and agenda items, political disputes and debates regarding the responsibility of elected officials have surfaced. These tensions follow challenges in maintaining a legal quorum during council meetings, though most recent agenda items were passed by consensus or absolute majority.