Moroccan Street Vendors Struggle Amid COVID-19 Crisis, Call for Government Aid

Like his peers, the activities of the fruit and vegetable merchant, Mohammed Grita or "Karéa", once prosperous, have been severely impacted by Covid-19, reports the Map. Reminiscing about the good old days, this 30-year-old merchant recalls that he used to start his activities every day at 6am and return around 10pm. "Before the pandemic, I used to wake up at 4am, have a coffee at home and then head to the wholesale market, where I would stock up on fruits and vegetables that I would transport by van for 50 DH," he says.

The merchant also said that he used to make profits between 300 and 400 DH. They allowed him to provide for his family and pay his monthly expenses, including rent. Since the beginning of the crisis, business is no longer going well for this family man who is forced to close his shop at 3pm, for fear of being apprehended by the police for non-compliance with health measures.

This crisis has also led to a rise in the price of vegetables and fruits, giving these merchants a hard time. Backed into a corner, they are calling for government support. "The state must support in these times of crisis, this category of people who are forced to work for a very limited time." It is unacceptable to work three or four hours a day," he laments.