Destruction of Neighborhoods Sparks Fear Among Residents
In the heart of Casablanca, Morocco's economic capital, a cloud of dust and debris envelops the area as the neighborhood of Moha ou Saïd faces demolition. As the rubble piles high, scrap metal workers comb through the wreckage, while others salvage wooden beams amidst the chaos. In a nearby small park, volunteers tend to dozens of cats and kittens rescued from the ruins. As night falls, the emotional toll of this destruction weighs heavily on the remaining residents. Youssef, a 63-year-old local, shares his distress, lamenting, "Now they are going to destroy my home. Where will I go? I have nowhere to turn. When I approached the local chief, he told me that my deceased mother, who passed away in 2018, is not in the system."
Challenges of Relocation and Registration
The local chief, known as the 'caïd', recently visited the community to inform residents about the impending demolition. Relocation efforts are underway, but many, like Nazil, a 56-year-old father of four, have found themselves excluded from the assistance program due to administrative issues. "We have lived in this neighborhood for generations. Our parents settled here in 1932, and my children have attended school here at Oulad al Makhazin. I have all the necessary documents tied to this address, yet when I present them, I am told I am not in the system," he explains as he hurriedly packs up his small business for imminent destruction.
In total, approximately 15,000 homes and businesses are slated for demolition in this extensive urban renewal initiative. The destruction began on April 20, and over the coming days, four bulldozers will continue this challenging operation, raising concerns about the future of long-established communities. This situation highlights the complexities and emotional ramifications of urban development in Casablanca, emphasizing the need for better management and support for affected residents.
As reported by fr.news.yahoo.com.
