Special atmosphere this Saturday, January 4 in what can already be considered as the now former Souk of Bab Marrakech, located rue Goulmima, in the district of Sidi Belyout in Casablanca. Since Thursday January 2, traders have been asked to leave the premises. Announcing, at the same time, the official launch of the start of the rehabilitation, recorded last May by the approval of a related convention by the city council and other stakeholders including the regional council, the provincial one , etc. This Saturday, the site experienced the very last moments of the evacuation.
Indeed, for an investment of 80 million dirhams, the Souk will be different in about two years. A rehabilitation synonymous with the modernization of a site whose creation dates back to the 1920s of the last century. According to the terms of the said agreement, the project, the implementation of which falls under the responsibility of SDL Casablanca Aménagement, will see the creation of some 217 businesses, in addition to 48 commercial kiosks, without forgetting an underground car park with a capacity of reception of 160 vehicles. The site must also be better equipped with refrigerators and other unloading spaces.
Even driven by feelings of “nostalgia”, the traders met there are patient while thinking of better days once they return. Of course, some will always find fault with it. In particular, people who say they have been harmed by not having been included on the lists established by the competent authorities.
This being said, registered traders will not have to be unemployed for 24 months. A temporary market is planned to welcome them on the Boucraa street side, over an area of more than 3,500 square meters, not far from the site of the former International Fair. It is a question, we are told, of 180 businesses of 7 square meters each with all the necessary amenities.
