Casablanca Accelerates Slum Demolition in Push for Urban Renewal

The operations are led by local security authorities, including the Auxiliary Forces, National Security, as well as representatives from the Ministry of the Interior. These operations are in line with the city of Casablanca’s commitment to eliminate unplanned housing within a set timeframe, in accordance with royal directives aimed at eradicating forms of sheet metal construction, explains Tahar Youssoufi, president of the Hay Hassani district, to Al Omk.

According to him, the local authorities in charge of these operations have conducted a complete census of beneficiaries before the start of demolitions. He specified that the population will be compensated with apartments through a direct support mechanism. The demolition operations are carried out using a humanitarian approach that takes into account the social conditions of the affected families, while respecting legal conditions to guarantee the rights of those affected and their relocation, Youssoufi assured.

However, there are legal complications related to the presence of private properties in some affected areas, particularly in Lissasfa. These private lands have been evaluated based on a judicial expertise mandated by the court, which has caused some delay in the payment of compensation, although the affected families have been residents of Hay Hassani for many years, he explained.

According to him, it is important to resolve these situations in a way that ensures fairness for all parties. The district and competent authorities are working to manage this important residential and social project, in compliance with current laws, and with a view to achieving the objectives of the national program for the eradication of substandard housing, Youssoufi assured.