What's happened
Two buildings in Fez, Morocco, collapsed early Wednesday, killing at least 19 people and injuring 16. The structures, inhabited by eight families, showed signs of neglect. Authorities are conducting search and rescue efforts amid ongoing concerns over aging infrastructure and enforcement of building codes.
What's behind the headline?
The Fez collapse underscores systemic issues in Morocco's urban infrastructure. The buildings' signs of neglect and the lack of preventive measures reveal enforcement gaps in building regulations, especially in historic cities. The incident is likely to intensify public pressure for infrastructure reforms. The government’s focus on high-profile projects like stadiums and international events appears disconnected from the urgent needs of vulnerable urban populations. This tragedy will likely prompt stricter inspections and policy changes, but long-term safety improvements depend on addressing underlying governance and resource allocation issues. The recurring pattern of collapses suggests that without significant reform, similar incidents will continue, risking further loss of life and undermining public trust.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the buildings had shown signs of cracking for some time, with authorities confirming neglect and lack of preventive measures. AP News highlights the ongoing rescue efforts and the context of Morocco’s broader infrastructure challenges. Al Jazeera emphasizes the death toll, including children, and the history of similar collapses in Morocco, pointing to systemic neglect. The New Arab notes the protests over poverty and public services, linking social unrest to infrastructure failures. All sources agree that enforcement of building codes is weak, especially in historic urban centers, and that this incident is part of a pattern of neglect and unsafe living conditions in Morocco’s aging buildings.
How we got here
Fez, Morocco's third-largest city, has a long history dating back to the eighth century. It is known for its medieval souks and tanneries but also faces challenges with aging infrastructure. Recent protests over poor public services and poverty have highlighted the city's deteriorating conditions, with previous building collapses raising safety concerns. Building code enforcement remains weak, especially in historic areas, increasing the risk of structural failures.
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Common question
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What Caused the Building Collapse in Fez, Morocco?
The recent building collapses in Fez, Morocco, have raised serious concerns about the safety of aging infrastructure in historic cities. Many wonder what led to these tragic events and what is being done to prevent future disasters. Below, we explore the causes of the collapse, the safety of historic buildings, and ongoing efforts to improve urban safety in Morocco.
More on these topics
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Morocco, officially the Kingdom of Morocco, is a country located in the Maghreb region of North Africa. It overlooks the Mediterranean Sea to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the west, with land borders with Algeria to the east and Western Sahara to th