Casablanca Prepares to Launch Hygiene Police Amid Growing Waste Issues
The city of Casablanca is gearing up to implement its new hygiene police as the transitional period of the new regulatory framework comes to a close. This initiative aims to tackle illegal waste disposal practices and bring informal waste collectors into the open, addressing various social, ecological, and urban challenges. With the organization of the 2030 World Cup on the horizon, the metropolis faces a critical moment in its efforts to maintain cleanliness and order in the city. As reported by Assabah, the situation has become increasingly concerning as the number of waste collectors around garbage bins has surged.
Active during the night and at dawn, these individuals scavenge for recyclable materials such as plastic, glass, and cardboard, often disregarding basic sanitary rules. This rampant behavior complicates the city's efforts to enforce the new regulations while striving for exemplary cleanliness by 2030. Among the primary challenges are approximately 700 waste collectors, most of whom have firmly rejected integration into cooperative frameworks or the two companies recently awarded waste management contracts.
Social, Professional, and Environmental Challenges
Ahmed Afilal, the vice president of the city council, highlights the multifaceted issues posed by this demographic. Socially, they work in deplorable conditions; professionally, they operate outside any legal framework; and environmentally, their chaotic sorting practices create ongoing disorder in the city’s streets, necessitating additional efforts from cleaning crews to restore cleanliness. In response to these challenges, the municipality has mandated that companies bidding for waste management contracts must hire a significant number of these waste collectors if awarded the contract.
Afilal emphasizes the seriousness with which this matter is being addressed, acknowledging the lack of positive response to outreach efforts aimed at encouraging these workers to join cooperatives, associations, or adopt individual entrepreneurship status. He stresses the urgent need for action, reminding all stakeholders that environmental concerns cannot afford delays. Hence, the municipality is actively considering the implementation of the hygiene police as a deterrent measure, accompanied by a system of fines for each confirmed infraction. This strategic move is seen as essential for fostering a cleaner and more organized urban environment in Casablanca.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
