Casablanca City Council Clashes Over Iconic Sqala Restaurant Rent Hike

The possible upward revision of the rental price of the famous restaurant in the Casablanca medina, the Sqala, as part of a valuation of the municipality’s assets, is dividing the city council. The Istiqlal party prefers the price to be maintained, as the current tenant has invested a lot to renovate this restaurant, which has become one of the tourist attractions of the economic capital, reports the site Al Oâmk. This establishment was formerly a garbage dump and a haunt of thieves and delinquents.

Ahmed Afilal, vice-president of the municipality (Istiqlal) said that the majority parties are leaning towards the valuation of municipal assets and the launch of a call for tenders setting the best possible rental price, but without prejudice to the rights of the current tenant. The municipality has in the meantime carried out a study on the monthly rental price of the restaurant. This price is estimated at 27,000 DH. "If the tenant can pay it, he will be able to continue to operate it," says Ahmed Afilal. "There is a conflict of interest since the tenant is a council member from the Istiqlal party, who has been renting this restaurant that has employed 150 people for 20 years," denounces the opposition party PJD.

After hours of debate, the parties were unable to reach an agreement. The president of the council, Nabila Rmili then postponed the discussions to a later meeting.