Rabat Launches Campaign to Remove Air Conditioners from Building Facades

The campaign is underway in several strategic neighborhoods of the Moroccan capital, notably Hay Riad, reports Médias24. Images of this operation to remove air conditioners from the facades have been widely shared on social media.

In a note dated January 22, addressed to the co-ownership syndicate of a residence in Hay Riad, the local authorities of the district have asked the residents to dismantle the air conditioners and satellite dishes, and to repaint the facades in white within 15 days. This, in order to "harmonize the appearance of the buildings and preserve the aesthetics of the city".

The operation is diversely appreciated. While some residents welcome the initiative, others denounce the method adopted by the authorities. Rather than dismantling the air conditioners, they invite them to accompany the residents with a view to moving the air conditioners from the facades to the side walls or roofs of the buildings.

It should be recalled that Decree No. 2-17-354 on the condominium regulations, which came into force since 2018, prohibits the installation of satellite dishes and any other devices on the facades and balconies of buildings. Similarly, with a view to urban aesthetics, the Rabat development plan prohibits the installation of satellite dishes and air conditioners on the facades.