Displacement in Casablanca: The Price of Progress
As Morocco's national football team captivates fans during the World Cup in North America, back home, bulldozers are already preparing the ground for the 2030 World Cup. Amidst the excitement, long-standing residents are being forcibly relocated, losing not just their homes, but their means of livelihood as well. The atmosphere in Casablanca is a juxtaposition of celebration and sorrow; while crowds cheer for the Atlas Lions just minutes away, the old Medina is echoing with the sounds of demolition and despair.
The redevelopment project known as "Avenue Royale" is moving forward at an alarming pace, aiming to impress visitors for the upcoming tournament co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal. Set in the historic martyr's quarter of the old Medina, this project threatens to erase significant parts of the city's history, once a stronghold against French colonial rule. Mayor Nabila Rmili has proclaimed the initiative as a means to restore the Medina's cultural and tourist significance, yet the cost is staggering: nearly 16,000 families and 2,500 businesses will be displaced, according to officials.
Personal Struggles Amidst Urban Renewal
For many affected, forced relocation marks the beginning of a painful journey. Nassim, a fish vendor in his thirties, fears that moving to Hay Errahma will obliterate his livelihood. He calculates the daily commute to the port will cost him 35 Dirhams, significantly eating into his already meager earnings. Another fishmonger, Ahmed, faces a similarly bleak future; the cost of traveling from his new home will make it nearly impossible for him to sustain his family while trying to rebuild his business in an unfamiliar neighborhood.
Abdelouahed, a 45-year-old father, has found himself in a precarious situation after relocating. He has taken on additional rent to keep his children in their old school, which is a struggle given how the extra costs consume a significant portion of his income. He voices his frustration about the Avenue Royale project, deeming it fundamentally unjust. Others, like Samira, remain in dilapidated buildings, haunted by the fear of collapse, especially after witnessing a tragic incident where a nearby building fell, claiming lives.
As the city gears up for the World Cup, the local population faces rising rents and property prices across Morocco. In cities like Marrakech and Rabat, the impending tournament has led to skyrocketing costs, pushing many residents to the brink of financial despair. Hassan, a local tenant, has seen his rent increase dramatically while he struggles to balance his job and family needs. The bulldozers are relentless, and the promises of compensation often fall short, leaving families to grapple with uncertainty and loss.
In this context, a youth movement known as "Gen Z 212" has emerged, protesting the prioritization of stadiums over essential public services like healthcare and education. Their slogans, demanding more hospitals and less focus on the World Cup, resonate deeply with the disillusioned populace. As the preparations for the 2030 World Cup continue, many residents are left questioning the true beneficiaries of this development. Abdelouahed poignantly remarks, 'The Avenue Royale is meant for tourists, not for us.' For countless families in Morocco, the consequences of this grand vision will be felt long after the final whistle blows at the World Cup.
As reported by qantara.de.
