Morocco moves to crack down on unhealthy housing speculators

Morocco announced that a law is being devised to crack down on those responsible for the proliferation of unhealthy housing.

The era of impunity in matters of unhealthy housing is bygone, housing delegate minister, Tawfik Hajira, told a local daily, underlining that people found guilty of promoting unhealthy housing will risk up to five-year jail terms.

While admitting that unhealthy housing is a product of poverty, the official said the proliferation of shanty-towns is the result of "incredible speculation."

According to official figures, 5 million Moroccans currently live in slums, which grew into poverty belts, particularly around the large cities of the country.

The minister urged competent authorities to sue every person involved in the proliferation of these irregular dwellings.