Casablanca officials seek increase in annual sanitation budget

Members of the Casablanca City Council are calling for a significant increase in the annual budget dedicated to sanitation services. During a facilities committee meeting, representatives from the Ben M'sik, Sbata, Sidi Othman, and Moulay Rachid districts requested that the budget for an upcoming tender in Zone 3 be raised from 25 billion centimes to 35 billion centimes annually.

Proponents of the increase argue that rising population density, driven by the ‘Cities Without Slums’ resettlement program, has placed unprecedented pressure on waste collection and public space maintenance. This proposed 10 billion centime annual increase presents a fiscal challenge for Council President Nabila Rmili, as it would create long-term budgetary commitments.

Moulay Ahmed Afial, the Deputy Mayor in charge of sanitation and the environment, stated that the council recognizes the importance of this issue regarding the daily quality of life for residents. He noted that the city is moving toward launching a new international tender for Zone 3 to enhance the waste management system and improve service quality in areas facing operational difficulties.