The city of Casablanca is on the brink of a significant redevelopment project that aims to transform the historic Derb Ghallef market into a contemporary commercial and service hub. This initiative has garnered considerable attention as it seeks to modernize one of the city’s most iconic marketplaces while maintaining its unique historical identity.
During the latest City Council meeting, a decision was made to postpone the vote regarding the expropriation of lands associated with the Derb Ghallef market. Abdessadek Morchid, the Secretary of the Casablanca Municipal Council and the President of the Maârif district, emphasized that the restructuring project is currently in its final legal phases. He noted that after thorough evaluations conducted by the assessment committee, the next steps will involve determining the project's financial framework and identifying the stakeholders involved in this restructuring operation.
Mostafa Haiker, the leader of the Istiqlal Party councilors, confirmed that two key points regarding the Derb Ghallef market will be revisited in the next council session scheduled for May 14. These points primarily concern the expropriation process of the land on which the market is located. Specifically, they include a titled plot designated as number 4238/D, encompassing approximately 54,068 square meters, along with adjacent parcels under titles 1530/D and 48788/S.
During the upcoming session, council members will also discuss the amount set by the administrative evaluation committee for the expropriation of lands intended for the future shopping complex in the Maârif district. According to Haiker, the compensation rate for expropriation is established at 1,500 dirhams per square meter.
It is essential to highlight that, in a prior statement to _Le360_, Abdelmounaim Madkar, President of the Souk Salam Association in Derb Ghallef, indicated that the urban development plan for the Maârif district had received approval from both the district council and the Casablanca City Council. He also mentioned that the project is currently awaiting final validation and endorsement from the Urban Agency before the definitive expropriation procedures can commence.
Madkar pointed out that this project is part of a broader agenda aimed at urban restructuring and renewal within the economic capital of Morocco. He expressed optimism, stating that local merchants are eager for the project to move forward, especially given that the market has frequently been plagued by issues such as fires and thefts.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
