The Ministry of the Interior continues to free up the public domain and make it available to local authorities (Mr. Laftit)
Rabat – The Ministry of the Interior is continually working to free up the public domain and make it available to local authorities with a view to its “optimal exploitation for municipal development”, indicated Monday in Rabat, the Minister of Interior, Abdelouafi Laftit.
In response to a question on the “positive repercussions of the liberation of the public domain on the urban landscape and territorial development” during the oral questions session in the House of Representatives, Mr. Laftit specified that the collective public domain, which can be a lever for municipal development, faces many problems including its unauthorized occupation.
The minister thus highlighted the important work and the great efforts deployed by local authorities and local authorities to create spaces intended to re-shelter users of the public domain, in particular street vendors, noting that action continues between local authorities and public authorities remains a necessary condition for making the public domain a permanent lever for the modernization of local authorities.
– What are the potential social benefits of freeing up public space for community development?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Fatima Kassem, Urban Planning Expert
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Kassem. Thank you for joining us today to discuss an important initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of the Interior concerning the public domain.
Dr. Kassem: Good afternoon! Thank you for having me. I’m excited to delve into this topic.
Time.news Editor: Recently, the Ministry of the Interior announced its ongoing efforts to free up the public domain and make it more accessible for local authorities. Can you elaborate on what this means for urban planning and community development?
Dr. Kassem: Absolutely! The initiative to free up public space is crucial for urban development. By allowing local authorities to access public domain land, we open up possibilities for building parks, recreational areas, and community centers. This not only enhances the quality of life for residents but also encourages community engagement.
Time.news Editor: That sounds promising. How do you think local authorities will utilize the freed-up space in practical terms?
Dr. Kassem: Each local authority has unique needs, but I envision a range of projects from green spaces to infrastructure improvements. For instance, some areas may focus on creating more public parks to improve air quality and provide leisure activities, while others might prioritize establishing facilities like libraries or sports complexes that cater to community needs.
Time.news Editor: It sounds like this initiative could have significant social and environmental impacts. However, what challenges do you foresee in this process?
Dr. Kassem: One major challenge is ensuring that the development aligns with the needs of the community without displacement or disruption. Local authorities must engage with communities to understand their desires and cultural contexts. Additionally, bureaucratic hurdles can slow down the planning and implementation processes if not adequately addressed.
Time.news Editor: Local engagement is undoubtedly vital. How can local authorities ensure that they are effectively engaging with their communities?
Dr. Kassem: They can adopt a participatory planning process, which involves residents in decision-making. This could include town hall meetings, surveys, and collaborative workshops. By actively listening to the community, local authorities can create spaces that truly reflect the people’s needs and aspirations.
Time.news Editor: That’s an important insight. Now, from a governmental perspective, how can the Ministry of the Interior support local authorities in this endeavor?
Dr. Kassem: The Ministry can provide guidelines and resources for effective urban planning. Additionally, offering training programs for local officials on community engagement and sustainable development practices would empower them to leverage the new public spaces effectively.
Time.news Editor: It certainly sounds like a multi-layered approach is needed. Lastly, Dr. Kassem, do you have any examples of successful initiatives in other countries that Morocco might consider as a blueprint for this?
Dr. Kassem: Certainly! Cities like Barcelona and Copenhagen have excelled in creating inclusive public spaces through community input and innovative designs. They have transformed unused land into vibrant community hubs. Learning from these examples can help Moroccan cities craft spaces that foster interaction and inclusivity.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Kassem, for sharing your valuable insights on this important topic. It’s clear that with the right strategies, this initiative could lead to a brighter, more engaged future for our communities.
Dr. Kassem: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how this initiative evolves and transforms urban landscapes in Morocco.