Moroccan king resolved to end irresponsible behavior of public authorities over anti-seismic building standards

Morocco's King Mohammed VI said here Thursday he is resolved to put an end to the "irresponsible behavior, and to the laxity or dereliction of duty on the part of public authorities and elected officials" concerning anti-seismic regulations.

"They are urged to fully shoulder their responsibilities with respect to strict enforcement of anti-seismic regulations and to put a stop to all illegal practices, for which the entire country pays a particularly heavy price, whenever a natural disaster strikes," the Moroccan monarch said in a speech addressed in quake-stricken Al Hoceima. The earthquake killed some 629 people and left hundreds of homeless after the collapse of over two thousand houses.

The king deplored that "such abuses encourage the spread of debasing housing conditions which, in turn, constitute fertile ground for all sorts of social ills."

He added that he instructed the government and parliament to pass during the next spring session of the House, legislation criminalizing practices which encourage unauthorized housing or violate earthquake-resistant construction regulations."

He hailed, however, the national solidarity and the efforts made by civil and military state agencies, the civil society, NGOs and Moroccans "at home and abroad who volunteered to help, despite challenging geographic and weather conditions.

The king also expressed gratitude "to friendly nations and institutions for their support in these testing times."