In Salé, the demolition of the Ounk J’mel district arouses anger and incomprehension

Salty, 10 a.m. The sky is covered with dust, rubble is piled up in the middle of the Ounk J’mel district, nestled on a hill in the H’ssaine district. Helmeted workers are busy around the excavators, whose incessant whirring alternates with the sound of collapsing walls. The inhabitants observe the scene, haggard, with empty eyes.

The Ounk J’mel demolition operation, which began eight days ago, is part of the upgrading of the Bouregreg valley, a project supervised by the dedicated development agency. No less than 700 houses, housing around 3,000 families, are affected. The authorities had sent evacuation notices to residents before the work began, but the announcement sparked strong anger.

Residents are demanding fair compensation or suitable rehousing solutions, especially since some had built their houses completely legally, with permits and connection to water and electricity networks. However, on the ground, uncertainty and anxiety dominate.

This is the case for Fatima who stands in the middle of the still smoking rubble, with a heavy heart. The neighboring houses, already gutted, foreshadow the fate of his own home. His in-laws have lived here on rent for forty years. “We were told to leave, we were promised rehousing, but in the meantime, we are looking for where to go», she confides, worry showing on her face.

Read also: Salty: the unsanitary district of Ounk J’Mel will be evacuated and demolished

For others, it’s an entire part of their family history that collapses. A man, his features drawn with emotion, points to his house. “This building belonged to my late father. That’s all we had left of him.» His voice breaks, overwhelmed by emotion. He pauses, as if unable to continue. “We are four heirs, two girls and two boys. This house was our refuge, our family cocoon. We shared so many happy moments there… and soon, it will all be reduced to dust», he regrets.

«The demolitions started eight days ago already, specifies Soumia, a resident of the neighborhood, with a somber look in her eyes. Since then, the atmosphere has been heavy“. Mohammed, who has lived here for 44 years, shares his frustration: “The authorities are going around to identify those who will be rehoused. But everything remains unclear. In our house, for example, there are my brother and me. We sold everything, even our land, to build this roof. We thought we were finally stable, but now everything is falling apart. They asked us to leave, but to leave where? After 44 years here, starting a new life elsewhere is almost impossible.»