Oukaïmeden Farmers Call for Investigation into Road Project Damage

Ourika Press – Al Haouz

Residents of Kouamane Douar, located in the territorial commune of Oukaïmeden in Al Haouz Province, have expressed their dissatisfaction over what they describe as damage to their agricultural lands during the ongoing construction of the road linking the villages of Takhfist and Aït Omar, passing through Kouamane and Aït Wahssoun.

According to statements from several affected residents, excavation works and the transportation of soil and rocks associated with the project have caused damage to their farmland. They claim that adequate measures were not taken to protect properties located near the construction site, stressing that agriculture is the primary source of income for many families in the area.

The residents further stated that their attempts to submit complaints and seek compensation have, according to their accounts, not resulted in any practical solutions. They also alleged that the site supervisor responded to their concerns in what they considered an inappropriate manner by emphasizing that the project was part of government development initiatives, a response that reportedly increased local frustration.

Several residents also claimed that the same official attempted to associate their current protests with previous demonstrations in the area concerning school transportation. They rejected this comparison, arguing that the two issues are unrelated and that their grievances are solely connected to the damage they say was caused by the ongoing construction works.

These developments have heightened dissatisfaction among the affected residents, who fear that the work will continue without addressing the reported damage or implementing measures to prevent further losses. They also called for respect for residents’ rights and the protection of their property throughout the implementation of development projects.

The affected residents have urged the provincial authorities to dispatch a field committee to assess the reported damage, open an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case, and take the necessary measures to compensate those affected while ensuring that the project is carried out in a manner that balances development objectives with the protection of citizens’ rights.