Casablanca Transitions from Council of Competence to Governorate

In recent years, Casablanca, Morocco's economic capital, has undergone substantial transformation. The city's development was initiated by the country's monarch in 2014, with the aim of elevating it to the level of major global cities. A development program, 2015/2020, was implemented, focusing on infrastructure development, including tramway lines, major projects such as the financial hub and a large theater, and road construction.

The program also involved the renovation of several facilities, including the Ain Sebaa zoo, Ain Sebaa-Znatea and Ain Dhiab corniches, and the construction of cultural institutions. The newly elected officials, who took charge of managing the city after the program's implementation, were expected to build upon these projects and ensure continued development. However, the current council, described as a "government of competence," has faced criticism for its performance.

The council was allocated 400 million centimes for a study program, but its implementation was delayed for over a year. As a result, the council has been limited to managing essential tasks. Meanwhile, the new governor of Casablanca has taken a proactive approach, launching several major projects, including the demolition of informal settlements that were affecting the city's appearance.

The governor has also addressed long-standing issues, such as the relocation of residents from the Royal Enclave, a problem that had persisted since 1989. Additionally, the governor has focused on combating the exploitation of public property and the informal trade sector, accelerating the construction of new markets to accommodate street vendors.

In contrast to the governor's proactive approach, the council has been criticized for its slow pace, with many of its initiatives originating from the governor's office. The council's performance has raised questions about its effectiveness and the concept of "competence" that it was supposed to represent.

As Morocco prepares for upcoming municipal elections, the experience of Casablanca's current council serves as a valuable lesson. The elections will be crucial in determining the future of the city, which is expected to host several major international events, including the 2026 World Cup.

The city's development and readiness to host such events will be under scrutiny, and it is expected that the new council will prioritize addressing the city's challenges and meeting the expectations of its residents. The governor's efforts have set a precedent for proactive leadership, and it remains to be seen whether future councils will be able to build upon this momentum.

Key points

• Casablanca's development program, initiated in 2014, aimed to elevate the city to the level of major global cities.