During its session on May 7, 2026, the Rabat communal council adopted a decision to transfer control of waste management companies to a private operator, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from opposition councilor Omar El Hyani of the Federation of the Democratic Left (FGD).
El Hyani described the decision as an unprecedented transfer of public oversight, arguing that it undermines municipal accountability and could lead to reduced service quality for residents. He called for greater transparency in the process.
The council's majority defended the move as a measure to improve efficiency and reduce costs in waste collection and street cleaning, citing operational challenges with the current system. No specific financial details or operator names were disclosed during the session.
This development follows broader debates in Moroccan municipalities about privatization of public services, with similar controversies in other cities. The Rabat council has not yet announced a timeline for implementation.
