Expropriation Concerns in Rabat's Ocean District
In Rabat, a newly proposed decree concerning the transfer of parcels in the Ocean neighborhood has reignited discussions surrounding the contentious issue of expropriation, particularly following unsuccessful attempts at amicable acquisitions. Despite official statements suggesting that expropriation would not be pursued, the list of affected properties within the capital continues to grow, raising significant concerns among residents and local stakeholders.
The proposed decree, which is yet to be published in the Official Bulletin, is based on a partnership agreement signed in February 2024 between the State Property Directorate and the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra region, aimed at acquiring real estate located in the Ocean neighborhood of Rabat. Ground reports indicate that after the failure of the amicable acquisition process—amid what is described as daily pressures on property owners—the authorities may resort to expropriation for public utility, as stipulated by Law No. 7-81.
This development is particularly surprising given a prior statement by Rabat’s Mayor, Fatiha El Moudni, on March 14, 2025, asserting that the ongoing operations in Saniya Gharbia, within the Ocean neighborhood, do not constitute expropriation for public utility but rather a contractual relationship based on mutual agreement between the seller and buyer.
Implications of the Proposed Expropriation
If the decree is enacted, it could encompass hundreds of properties, including apartments, commercial establishments, warehouses, garages, villas, undeveloped or developed land, houses, studios, and offices within the Ocean neighborhood. Notably, the inclusion of properties along Al Khattabi Avenue, which were not previously mentioned in earlier plans, has raised eyebrows. Among the targeted properties is the “M’barek” establishment, numbered 1 to 19, featuring a mix of businesses such as bakeries, dairies, and shops, alongside several apartments across five floors.
The scope of the expropriation extends to additional thoroughfares, including Mokhtar Jazoulit Avenue, with a network of intricate alleys such as Tokyo Street, Zanzibar Street, Naples Street, Addis-Abeba Street, America Street, Rome Street, Accra Street, Cordoba Street (Kortoba), and Venice Street. This operation also covers strategic intersections, such as where Addis-Abeba Street meets Mokhtar Jazoulit Avenue, the junction of Zanzibar and Tokyo Streets, and the corner of Tangier and Safi Streets. Secondary alleys like Monrovia Street, Oslo Street, and Al Ghos Street are included as well.
Moreover, the list comprises commercial and service units (stores, cafes, offices) and logistical infrastructures such as warehouses and underground parking. It also encompasses disassociated real estate rights like air rights, meticulously cataloged. Additionally, the headquarters of the Mouvement Unicité et Réforme, an ideological partner of the Justice and Development Party (PJD), located at 22 Calcutta Street, is also on the list. This property is registered under the name “Maria” (R/23357) and includes constructions spanning approximately 345 square meters.
As reported by telquel.ma.
