Tangier authorities face criticism over delayed flood prevention measures

A tense meeting was held Thursday between local authorities, representatives of Tangier’s district councils and officials from institutions responsible for urban planning and infrastructure to discuss measures to prevent flooding and protect the city’s residents, according to Hespress AR sources.

The meeting came after recent rainfall exposed weaknesses in the city’s infrastructure, prompting some elected officials and representatives of other institutions to question why preparations had not been undertaken earlier.

According to the sources, several participants criticized the timing of the meeting, arguing that it had been convened too late and fell short of expectations.

Authorities reportedly also criticized district councils for failing to carry out preventive maintenance and clear drainage systems before the rainy season. The drainage networks were unable to handle rainfall of less than 30 millimeters, raising further concerns about their capacity to cope with heavier downpours.

The discussions also addressed problems linked to building permits and construction in areas that serve as natural waterways. Sources said construction in such locations can redirect water flows toward specific points, increasing the risk of flooding in streets and residential neighborhoods.

One case raised during the meeting concerned a bridge built by an investor over a riverbed in one of Tangier’s districts. Participants questioned how the structure had received authorization, and instructions were reportedly issued to investigate who had approved the project and whether the construction complied with applicable urban planning and building regulations.

Local authorities called on district councils and the city council to accelerate maintenance work and clear drainage channels of accumulated waste and debris left over the summer, which can obstruct the flow of rainwater.

The meeting followed flooding in several major streets and neighborhoods across Tangier over the previous two days. The incidents triggered widespread criticism on social media, with residents blaming local authorities and elected councils for infrastructure failures exposed by rainfall that was not particularly heavy.

The sources told Hespress AR that tensions emerged during the meeting, including over the timing of the response and the responsibilities of the different institutions involved.