Local elected officials have reported "serious violations" concerning the misuse of vehicles belonging to the Tangier municipality. Allegations include unauthorized use of these vehicles by outsiders, as well as employment for the ride-sharing application "Indrive."
Details of Recorded Violations
According to Al Akhbar, citing municipal sources, documented cases indicate that municipal vehicles have been utilized by individuals outside the institution, without any administrative or legal justification. While these vehicles are intended for official purposes related to public service and municipal affairs, some instances have seen them used for personal gain.
More concerning are reports that some vehicles have been repurposed as transport for electronic applications, a clear violation of Moroccan laws that protect public funds and regulate the use of public property.
These infractions have not gone unnoticed. Elected officials from the Maghougha district have formally requested that the municipal council include a written question on the agenda for the June 2025 session. The aim is to discuss this "excessive and questionable use" of vehicles and to initiate a comprehensive investigation to clarify the circumstances of their operation, the identities of users, and their destinations. Officials emphasize that such practices undermine transparency and damage the reputation of the elected body among citizens.
Financial Burden of the Vehicle Fleet
This crisis coincides with broader discussions about the management of the municipality’s logistical resources, particularly the vehicle fleet, which consumes a significant portion of the annual budget.
Approximately 50 million dirhams have been allocated for this item this year, covering fuel, oil, maintenance, insurance, and rentals for additional vehicles for deputy mayors and committee chairs. This substantial figure raises questions about the efficiency of public spending and the actual benefit of these resources to the public interest.
Calls for Transparency and Accountability
Elected officials assert that these violations fundamentally compromise the principles of transparency and accountability. The lack of effective oversight regarding the use of municipal vehicles allows for chaos and personal exploitation, negatively affecting public trust in elected institutions. In this context, officials are demanding the implementation of monitoring mechanisms, such as maintaining an accurate log of vehicle movements, identifying users, and applying strict penalties for violations.
Response from the Head of the Maghougha District
During a session of the Maghougha district, Abdelaziz Ben Azouz emphasized that measures have been taken to prevent the use of vehicles beyond the territorial scope of Tangier-Assila. The requirement for a mission order before vehicle use has been enforced, stressing that anyone driving these vehicles without proper authorization risks accountability. He urged those with evidence of misuse to come forward.
Traffic Incidents Prompt Discussion
Councilor Younes El-Chawati raised the issue of foreigners being involved in traffic accidents while driving municipal vehicles for personal purposes unrelated to public work. He noted a significant increase in the use of these vehicles for private errands outside the designated tasks assigned to their users.
El-Chawati reported that instead of being driven by "councilors and officials," these vehicles were increasingly operated by outsiders, leading to incidents outside the jurisdiction of Tangier-Assila.
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