08/12/2023
FAULTY TOWERS : News Flash
Recently, several climbers have been approached by the village elder, who feels he has some responsibility for the goings on, in and around the village of Lazal, which is situated down the hill to the south of Faulty Towers, June Slabs & Ka Kaa Wall...
Mr Lazal has been 'insisting' quite strongly that climbing is forbidden at the crag and climbers must not climb here - this is NOT the case - he has even asked to see passports on some occasions.
We have also had this experience but continued to go climbing nonetheless.. we checked with Jamal from the Kasbah Tizourgane (who is a respected member/official of the local tourist association), in case there was some sensitivity issue around climbing in this area which we may be unaware of - and apparently this is not the case.
Mquadim Lazal comes up with various reasons for why he is "adamant" that climbers should not climb at Faulty Towers - the recent earthquake in The High Atlas being the most recent reason, but he does usually walk away eventually. The earthquake did not affect The Anti-Atlas.
A regular climber we have been in touch with, who climbs frequently in the area, has had conversations with Mr Lazal's son, as well as the Mqadim from a different area "Lahsen", who has confirmed there is no reason for Mqadim Lazal to try and stop climbing here - it appears to be a generational issue, with Mr Lazal struggling to adjust to the changing times..and being misguided about his 'actual' responsibility regarding the "safety" of tourists.
So, climbers may continue to climb here, and take responsibility for themselves but please remain respectful and courteous to the locals, while pursuing your passion, as sometimes communication can be difficult with the locals and misunderstandings can occur.
The photo is of Tom Rogers on the excellent 'Hot Rats' HVS 5a on the shady right (east) end of this superb crag.
