Casablanca Officials Demand Faster Eviction of Informal Settlements

Elected representatives within Casablanca's district councils are demanding a faster pace in relocating residents from informal settlements and shantytowns across the city. They express surprise at the perceived inaction by authorities in several provinces, which they argue prolongs the stay of residents in conditions that fail to uphold their dignity.

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The observation is that a number of Casablanca district provinces initiated the process of relocating and demolishing karianates some time ago; however, some informal settlements are still awaiting the attention of local authorities, especially as we are in the summer holiday period, and relocation must be done before the next school year.

While authorities have undertaken demolition and relocation efforts in areas such as Bernoussi, Sidi Moumen, Ain Sebaa, Derb Sultan, and Anfa, other informal settlements, known locally as 'karianates,' remain untouched. This disparity has drawn criticism, with councilor Hassan Salhami noting that some communities have been awaiting their turn for resettlement for a considerable time.

Salhami highlighted that in some districts, like Hay Hassani, beneficiaries have been identified for the 'Koumira' settlement, one of the largest of its kind, yet they have not received eviction notices or seen demolition work commence. He stressed the urgency of completing these relocations before the upcoming school year, especially during the summer holiday period.

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The persistence of these shantytowns in many areas contributes to the continuation of their residents living in inappropriate conditions that do not guarantee a dignified life.

Ahmed Hamid and Chaib, councilors from the Unified Socialist Party, echoed these concerns. They pointed out that allowing these shantytowns to persist contributes to residents living in substandard conditions. They also raised the issue of these settlements potentially being exploited as electoral blocs by political candidates, urging swift action to prevent such manipulation in future elections.

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The residents of settlements like Douar Fatima and Douar Koumira have been counted, but these settlements have not yet undergone the relocation process.