In Casablanca, the ongoing demolition operations span from the medina to Ain Diab, passing through Dar Bouazza, and have intensified over recent months. Despite the significant scale of these operations, official explanations remain scarce, leaving many questions unanswered. The images and tensions on the ground contribute to a growing sense of uncertainty among residents and observers alike.
The demolition activities, which have been taking place across various regions of the Greater Casablanca area, have escalated recently. Notable areas affected include "Derb Rmad" in the historic medina and the scrap yard in Salmia, located within the Sbata district. While these operations aim to facilitate the development and structuring of Casablanca, there is a conspicuous absence of public statements from official sources about them. Social media is rife with images depicting ongoing demolitions across different neighborhoods, yet no officials are willing to openly discuss the rationale, framework, or logistics of these actions.
Media24 reached out to multiple responsible parties for comments, but responses were either nonexistent or indicated that the matter was outside their jurisdiction. What is clear, however, is that four primary factors drive these demolitions. Firstly, there is a pressing need to eliminate dilapidated housing that poses risks to resident safety. Secondly, the eradication of slum areas is a priority. Thirdly, preparations for hosting forthcoming events, such as the 2030 FIFA World Cup, necessitate urban upgrades. Finally, there is a push to reclaim public spaces that have been informally occupied, aiming to regularize land use.
Recent Notable Demolitions in Casablanca
Significant demolition events have occurred, particularly in the ancient medina, where efforts are underway to revitalize the area as part of the [Royal Avenue project](https://medias24.com/2025/09/02/feu-vert-a-lacceleration-du-projet-davenue-royale-a-casablanca-un-reve-de-40-ans/). Additionally, the Nouaceur municipality, with a focus on Dar Bouazza, has seen many public land plots exploited illegally for years, alongside popular neighborhoods characterized by slums. Moreover, the Ain Diab corniche is also undergoing redevelopment as part of the second phase of Casablanca's coastal enhancement, which will extend to the Morocco Mall.
This week marked the demolition of "Derb Rmad," a historic neighborhood in the medina, under the Anfa district's jurisdiction. Numerous social media posts captured scenes of construction machinery dismantling old homes while residents evacuated their belongings, often without clarity on their next steps, as reported by local media.
Another significant incident involved the demolition of the Salmia scrap yard in Hay Salmia, which included the destruction of nearby shops, recreational facilities, and event halls. Covering several hectares in a densely populated residential area, this scrap yard housed at least 1,000 merchants specializing in used auto parts, becoming a crucial economic hub for locals seeking affordable components. Although plans for relocation had been in place for years due to complaints from residents about disturbances, scrap dealers consistently resisted evacuation efforts. Tensions between local authorities and the dealers were evident during the demolitions.
According to our colleague from SNRT News, the demolition of the Salmia scrap yard aligns with a broader initiative to establish a sports city, which would feature a rugby complex, an equestrian center, and the construction of the Tessema Stadium, projected to accommodate over 30,000 spectators. We attempted to obtain further comments from Mr. Nasrollah, the vice president in charge of the city's heritage, but he had not responded by the time of this article's publication.
Social Implications and Ongoing Challenges
The proposed reconstruction of the Tessema Stadium is part of efforts to upgrade sports infrastructure in anticipation of the 2030 World Cup. The stadium is currently in a state of disrepair, prompting the Moroccan Football Federation to launch an [architecture competition for its complete overhaul](https://medias24.com/2025/07/08/520-mdh-pour-un-stade-tessema-nouvelle-generation-a-casablanca/) last July, followed by further contracts for technical studies and construction oversight.
In addition to the demolitions at Derb Rmad and Salmia, there have been other operations, including the [demolition of a shooting range in Ain Borja](https://medias24.com/2026/04/07/habitat-insalubre-incidents-en-marge-dune-operation-menee-a-hay-mohammadi-1655499/) aimed at addressing substandard housing. These actions have occasionally led to confrontations with residents, requiring the deployment of auxiliary forces to maintain order. Protests have erupted, with some residents forming human chains to impede the progress of machinery.
The demolition of illegal constructions in the "Paradise" complex in Ain Diab also took place last month, following numerous violations identified on-site, including unauthorized extensions deemed hazardous for users. These demolition operations face significant resistance, as they primarily affect low-income individuals.
While these efforts align with the city's structural development, there exists a sensitive social dimension that must be acknowledged. Although it is reported that all necessary legal procedures are being followed, including informing affected occupants with sufficient notice, questions remain about the criteria for relocation versus compensation, the adequacy of financial settlements, and the readiness of alternative housing. Residents have expressed concerns regarding the locations of designated lots and the level of compensation, which they feel does not adequately address their social and economic challenges. Many fear the difficulties posed by relocation, including distance and housing affordability.
As these demolition initiatives continue, the pace and specific areas affected remain uncertain, and as of now, no detailed official information is available.
As reported by medias24.com.
