Rabat Residents Protest Ongoing Demolitions in Al-Mouhit Neighborhood

The wave of demolitions is continuing in the L’Océan neighborhood under the supervision of Mohamed El Yaacoubi, wali of the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region. Illegally erected dwellings and businesses are being reduced to dust by the bulldozers and other equipment deployed on site, reports the daily Al Akhbar.

The authorities claim that the tenants and owners concerned have been ordered to vacate the premises before the start of the demolition operation. The latter, for their part, have expressed their anger at this situation, denouncing a "forced displacement" due to the insufficient notice period. They explain that they were informed to vacate the premises on Saturday, March 1, just two days before the demolitions began on Monday, March 3. "Some residents suspect this operation to be linked to a tourism investment project planning the construction of two seven-story hotels for a foreign investor," the publication reports.

Faced with this situation, the residents have sought the help of associations to challenge the operation, citing several irregularities, such as the absence of demolition reports and the non-compliance with safety measures. Indeed, some houses have been left without doors, forcing the inhabitants to install wooden boards to protect their belongings," it is specified. For their part, the local authorities claim that this operation is part of an overall plan to modernize the neighborhood and make it more attractive.

Green spaces, as well as the widening of roads and alleys, are planned in this plan. Other strategic areas of the capital, such as Al Akkari, Les Orangers and the Medina, will also undergo transformations.

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