Community Concerns in Mabrouka Neighborhood
The residents of the Mabrouka neighborhood, located in the Gueliz district of Marrakech, have urgently called upon local officials to address a range of pressing issues that plague this large community. According to the inhabitants, the area is suffering from clear signs of neglect, with a notable absence of essential infrastructure that significantly impacts their quality of life.
One of the most pressing demands from the community is the need for a mosque to serve the growing population of the neighborhood. Residents have expressed that this request has been repeatedly voiced for many years, yet tangible responses from the authorities have been notably lacking. Additionally, the lack of public transportation options, such as urban buses and larger taxis, complicates daily commutes for residents, making it particularly challenging for students and workers alike to navigate the city effectively.
Educational facilities are another critical concern, as the neighborhood currently lacks middle and high schools. Consequently, children from Mabrouka, along with students from nearby areas like Al-Kadiya, Akhioud, and Al-Zaytun, are forced to travel considerable distances to access schools such as the Middle School of Mariam or the Middle School of Al-Majd. This situation places an additional financial burden on families and adversely affects the educational experience of the students.
Moreover, residents are advocating for the establishment of a well-organized market to replace the chaotic and unsanitary conditions created by spontaneous weekly markets, which detract from the neighborhood’s cleanliness and aesthetic appeal. Amongst other concerns, the strategic importance of Mabrouka as a transit point connecting the industrial district with various neighborhoods in Marrakech has also been highlighted by the locals.
They propose the construction of a bridge connecting the neighborhood to the roadway leading to the industrial area via Al-Jawhar, which they believe would significantly alleviate the traffic congestion experienced on major routes like the Asfi Road and Tarika Road. Furthermore, residents have expressed their discontent regarding the decision to integrate the Abuab Gueliz park into the high-speed train project (TGV) in Morocco. They fear that this will result in the loss of the only green space in the area without any clear alternative being provided.
To address this, some local stakeholders suggest exploring alternative solutions, such as establishing a new train station at the entrance of the Al-Izdihar neighborhood and reconsidering the railway’s route starting from the Asfi Road bridge. This option, as they describe, could open new avenues for connecting several neighborhoods to the Asfi Road, including Tamanar and Al-Azouziah.
The residents concluded their appeal by urging local authorities and elected officials to take these demands into consideration and work towards realistic solutions that serve the public interest and keep pace with the urban growth the area is experiencing.
As reported by nichanealane.ma.
