In Fez el-Bali, the deterioration of old buildings puts residents of several narrow streets at daily risk. Cracked structures have been held up for years by wooden supports installed as a temporary measure to prevent them from collapsing. But these supports have also deteriorated and are now an additional source of danger.
In some parts of the medina, the structures have reportedly been in place for more than two decades, without any lasting rehabilitation work being carried out on the affected homes. Le360’s observations in several alleys reveal how badly they have deteriorated: rotting wooden beams, loose joints and supports that have become detached from the masonry. Nearby, weakened walls are crumbling, with stones and dust falling away at the slightest contact.
The situation is particularly worrying in Derb El Menia El Kebira, in the Talaa Kebira area. In this narrow passage, used by residents and tourists alike, wooden supports hold up a succession of badly damaged houses. Their condition raises fears of collapse during heavy rainfall, as water infiltration could worsen damage to the masonry and undermine the stability of the supporting structures.
Testimonies gathered by Le360 reflect the anxiety of residents who have lived with the risk of collapse for years. “We are in danger. The houses are falling apart, and large stones are coming loose above our heads. In winter, every clap of thunder terrifies us. The wooden supports are starting to come loose,” one resident said. She called for the demolition of abandoned buildings that have become dangerous and urgent rehabilitation of homes at risk of collapse.
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Another resident criticized the lack of concrete action in response to complaints submitted to the authorities. “We keep asking for urgent intervention, but nothing happens. I live here with my children in a house at risk of collapse. When I sleep, dust falls on my face,” he said.
Rachida Karchi, an elected official in Fez, has also warned about the deteriorating condition of the support structures in this old part of the medina. She said the wooden beams are now decaying at their bases, undermining their ability to hold up the buildings and exposing both residents and tourists to direct danger. Several guesthouses are also located in these narrow streets.
Karchi recalled that some of the supports were installed in 2004. She urged the relevant authorities to replace these temporary safety measures, which have remained in place for more than 20 years, with lasting work to secure and rehabilitate the buildings.
