Moroccan Minister Decries Destruction of Casablanca’s Historical Sites

"Tourist monuments occupy an important place in the history of the city and the country as a whole," Bensaid recalled during a debate organized by the Al-Faqih Tetouani Foundation in Salé, lamenting that the land mafia had contributed to the destruction of this historical heritage. The minister stated that a multidisciplinary commission, composed of representatives from several ministerial departments, has been set up "to conduct studies to identify the areas with heritage in the economic capital, and those that do not have it".

These remarks by Bensaid on heritage buildings are "very significant," according to the regional deputy coordinator of the Casablanca-Settat region for the National Instance for the Protection of Public Funds and Transparency in Morocco, considering that they "reflect the government’s willingness to protect these buildings of historical and civilizational value against their deterioration and their transformation into modern constructions devoid of soul. On the other hand, they confirm the civilizational role played by the city".

In a statement to Al3omk, he denounced a "certain laxity of successive governments and local and regional authorities that have succeeded in managing local affairs, with regard to the protection of the material heritage of the kingdom in Casablanca. This is all the more serious as these heritage buildings constitute a major factor of tourist attraction," stressing that "the protection of this type of heritage requires considerable efforts from many stakeholders, particularly the judicial authority".

The official also welcomed the efforts of the Casablanca prosecutor’s office, which have made it possible to dismantle many criminal networks using fraud, scams and forgery to illegally appropriate the property of others. He did not fail to thank the government for having adopted "Law No. 22.80 on the preservation of historical buildings, landscapes, inscriptions and works of art and traditions, without neglecting the role of civil society in raising awareness and enhancing the value of these buildings for their role in defining the identity of the city".

And to conclude: "Heritage buildings are an integral part of the city’s identity, reflecting its spirit and history. [...] Heritage buildings attract tourists interested in culture and history, contribute to the local economy, and have an aesthetic value due to their unique architecture. They are true architectural masterpieces. Preserving them is to protect the collective memory and ensure that future generations can discover their history and heritage, while recognizing the efforts made to build and preserve them".