Marrakech's Renewed Landscape: Billions Spent Yet Darkness Prevails in Mouwassine
The persistent lack of public lighting in the Mouwassine neighborhood, a crucial passageway connecting the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square to the bustling markets of the old city, starkly reveals the disparity between the ambitious motto of "Marrakech, the Renewed City" and the harsh reality faced by both residents and visitors. For over two years, this vital area has been enveloped in darkness, forcing pedestrians, including foreign tourists, to feel their way along the streets or alter their paths out of safety concerns.
Local residents and shopkeepers have voiced their frustrations to "Al Marrakechia," stating that the issue arose immediately following the completion of construction works designed to enhance the area. They attributed the ongoing problem to what has been described as a technical failure in the electrical connection, which remains unaddressed to this day. While the illumination from commercial establishments previously provided some relief, the streets become completely dark when the shops close, despite being one of the most frequented routes for tourists in the old city.
Moreover, the inhabitants have repeatedly lodged complaints with various authorities, yet they have largely been met with indifference. Many agencies have claimed they lack jurisdiction over the issue. The only entity that responded to one of the complaints was "La Ville Lumière" (The City of Lights), which visited the site and informed the complainants that the problem fell outside their jurisdiction, speculating that it might be due to incomplete electrical connections in the area.
This alarming situation raises questions about the fate of projects that have cost billions of dirhams under the "Marrakech, the Renewed City" initiative, which was expected to elevate the quality of life and enhance the city’s image. Instead, it has turned into a source of daily hardship for residents and a source of embarrassment for the city in front of its visitors, as fundamental service failures remain unresolved for years.
As reported by almarrakchia.net.
