Controversy Surrounds Sand Quarries in Ouarzazate, Morocco

Ouarzazate, Morocco — A heated debate has erupted in the Ouarzazate region over sand quarries, particularly those in the Ouarzazate rural commune. The quarries, operated by a cooperative, face allegations of environmental damage and unsustainable exploitation. Mustafa Benhamdan, president of the cooperative, has denied these claims, attributing the controversy to political motivations.

Benhamdan, speaking to Hespress, pointed to the recent electoral results in the Ouarzazate district, where his party, Authenticity and Modernity, saw significant success. He suggested that the criticism is politically motivated, stemming from those who did not accept the election outcomes. He described the critics as “enemies of success” who target individuals achieving positive results.

The cooperative, which Benhamdan leads, is one of the largest in Morocco, contributing between seven and eight billion dirhams annually to the state and providing employment for thousands. Benhamdan questioned the motives behind the criticism, noting that the cooperative's economic and social contributions are often overlooked. He emphasized that the cooperative operates under legal regulations and environmental permits, with regular inspections by the regional committee.

Benhamdan also addressed concerns about the cooperative's adherence to the conditions outlined in the exploitation permits. He assured that the cooperative complies with all environmental regulations, including respecting the exploited areas, depths of excavation, and site rehabilitation post-exploitation. The cooperative is planning to reforest the remaining areas by March 2024, with ongoing studies determining the suitable tree species for the terrain.

**Context:** This controversy highlights the broader tensions between economic development and environmental conservation in Morocco. The dispute underscores the complexities of balancing industrial activities with ecological sustainability, particularly in regions rich in natural resources like Ouarzazate. The outcome of this debate could set precedents for how similar conflicts are managed in the future, influencing both environmental policies and political dynamics in the region.