“Ain Sebaa Corniche: Construction Halt Sparks Discontent Among Residents and Beachgoers”
The halt in construction on the Ain Sebaa coastal strip has raised concerns among the residents of Casablanca, particularly those who frequent the four-kilometer beach. The recent renovations, for which an agreement was signed in the presence of King Mohammed VI several years ago, are part of a plan to revamp areas affected in preparation for Morocco’s hosting of the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
An informed source revealed to “Expresstv” that the two-month suspension of work (July and August) due to the summer holiday was a major factor in the delay. The Casablanca city council, through the local development company, has refused to cover the operational costs needed to meet the demands of beachgoers. It has insisted that the company awarded the contract complete its project, which was initially scheduled for last June, but has now been postponed again to the end of this year. Work is slated to resume at the beginning of September after the holiday season.
The newspaper source noted that the overall project does not have a defined completion date before the end of 2025 and may extend to the end of 2028, with the potential for work to continue until 2030 due to unforeseen challenges. Additionally, negotiations regarding the land rights with the residents near the “Corniche,” who face issues due to unauthorized constructions and dilapidated buildings, have been slow. Many families, particularly in the “Belhaj” neighborhood, are refusing to vacate and relocate to the outskirts of Casablanca where state-supported housing is available to beneficiaries.
The website source concluded that comparing the Ain Diab coastal strip with that of Ain Sebaa is not viable given the differing circumstances and budget allocations for both areas. However, it confirmed that improvements have been made to the latter, which is anticipated to become even more appealing over the coming months and years.
