Missing Child Reignites 'Bridges of Death' Debate in Morocco

The recent disappearance of a child in the village of Tanamzdit, Azilal province, has tragically brought the issue of inadequate infrastructure and dangerous river crossings back into sharp focus for the residents of Ait Abbass. For too long, the daily commute for many, including schoolchildren, has relied on rudimentary bridges constructed from tree branches and logs. These 'bridges of death,' as they are grimly known, are not merely inconvenient; they pose a genuine threat to life, especially when water levels rise.

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The crossing in Tanamzdit village, where the child lived, is used by students from three villages to cross the valley to school.

Local activists and residents have voiced their frustrations, noting that the demand for safe, permanent concrete bridges has been a long-standing plea that has gone unheeded by authorities. While a few concrete bridges exist in the wider area, they are few and far between, and some have already failed due to poor construction or natural elements. This lack of essential infrastructure exacerbates the isolation of these communities and amplifies the risks associated with simple daily travel.

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This bridge is an 'emergency solution' that does not meet safety standards, consisting of randomly fixed branches that quickly disintegrate with floods or are affected by repeated use.

The local government, represented by the fourth deputy head of the Ait Abbass commune, Aisha Daoudi, acknowledges the problem, stating that about 60% of Tanamzdit residents use the dangerous crossing. However, the challenges of the mountainous terrain and the width of the valley have hindered the construction of a permanent bridge. The commune's president, Mohamed Azhar, points to the significant costs involved, with the technical study alone estimated at 200 million centimes and the construction of a single bridge potentially consuming three years of the commune's budget. This financial strain, coupled with the need for partnerships, highlights the complex hurdles in addressing such basic infrastructure needs.

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The demand for permanent concrete bridges in the commune has been ongoing for many years without being realized, despite repeated local calls.

From our perspective at Hespress, this situation underscores a broader issue of development disparity. While urban centers may see rapid modernization, remote and mountainous regions like Tanamzdit are left grappling with life-threatening infrastructure deficits. The reliance on makeshift solutions is a testament to the resilience of our people, but it is also a stark indictment of the delayed response from those responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens. The repeated calls for action, the tragic incidents, and the ongoing risks demand immediate and tangible solutions, not just studies and budget discussions.

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About 60 percent of Tanamzdit residents are forced to cross what is locally known as the 'Bridge of Death.'