Morocco’s Hammam Closures Threaten 200,000 Jobs, Industry Group Warns

The closure of traditional baths on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays would lead to the unemployment of more than 200,000 people working in these establishments, warns the Federation in its note, adding that these restrictive measures will affect the purchasing power of these vulnerable and mostly unskilled people, in a context of high inflation. This decision is also likely to lead to an increase in water, energy and gas consumption due to the new habits that the population will adopt to cope with this situation, the letter specifies.

For the Federation, this decision to close the hammams, taken without prior consultation or solid justification, is unfair and inopportune, noting the absence of data or scientific statements proving the excessive use of water in traditional baths. According to a report by the High Commission for Planning (HCP) published in 2022, the services sector, including traditional baths, accounts for only 2% of total water consumption, the Federation recalls, insisting on the urgency of implementing measures to rationalize water in this context of severe drought.

In this perspective, the Federation has expressed its availability for a constructive dialogue with the authorities to propose viable solutions to this situation, taking into account the socio-economic aspects and environmental issues. In view of the foregoing, the Federation calls on the Minister of the Interior to reconsider his decision to close the baths and to engage in dialogue with all stakeholders to find sustainable solutions.