Understanding the Complexities of the Hay Mohammadi Development Plan
The newly proposed urban development plan for Hay Mohammadi is currently navigating through a labyrinth of challenges, primarily characterized by high population density, limited land availability, and significant historical context. This plan, which recently completed its public inquiry phase, is set to replace the previous development plan established in 2015, which is due to expire in August 2025. As it stands, the community, particularly residents of Derb Moulay Chérif, are expressing strong opposition due to fears of forced relocation from their homes, which hold deep personal and cultural significance.
High Density and Land Scarcity: The Constraints of Urban Planning
Covering a mere 4.2 square kilometers, Hay Mohammadi is one of the most densely populated districts in Casablanca, significantly restricting urban planning alternatives. The new development plan aims to maintain continuity with existing zoning regulations, which predominantly favor mixed-use urban fabrics characterized by buildings of two to three stories (R+2 and R+3), with few exceptions allowing for taller constructions. However, a notable change in this plan is the allowance for vertical construction up to seven stories (R+7) along key thoroughfares, such as Boulevard Jaâfar El Barmaki and Boulevard Moulay Ismail. This shift is intended to optimize land use while addressing the pressing needs of the community.
Additionally, the plan involves the relocation of the military barracks, transforming the site into an integrated project zone that will feature a blend of residential, commercial, and service facilities. An industrial wasteland near the former slaughterhouses will also be repurposed, marking a significant step towards urban renewal. Furthermore, areas adjacent to the railway line are being identified for development due to the availability of land, diverging from the earlier plan that designated the entire area as a 'urban project'. The new strategy focuses on rationalizing space usage, particularly near the Cité des cheminots, where vacant plots will be developed into dedicated urban projects.
In light of these developments, the local community is keenly aware of the deteriorating conditions in Derb Moulay Chérif, a neighborhood marked by numerous dilapidated buildings and a history of tragic collapses. Although the immediate remediation of these structures falls outside the scope of the current development plan, the future of the area remains a priority. The new plan categorizes Derb Moulay Chérif as a 'urban renewal sector', aiming to address the pressing issues of hygiene, safety, and urban decay that plague this historical neighborhood.
Despite the optimistic outlook presented in the development plans, many residents remain skeptical due to the lack of detailed information. The urbanization efforts will not commence until a comprehensive technical study is conducted, incorporating participatory approaches that engage local stakeholders, including the overseeing ministry and the Hay Mohammadi district council. This uncertainty, coupled with the fears of displacement, continues to fuel concerns among the residents regarding the future of their homes and community.
For those interested in urban planning and community development, the Hay Mohammadi development plan represents a critical case study of balancing modernization with historical preservation and community rights.
As reported by medias24.com.
