His Majesty King Mohammed VI proceeded on Tuesday in the rural commune of Ech-Chellalate (Mohammedia prefecture) to the launch of two urban planning projects allowing for the relocation of 2,274 slum-dwelling households from the Labrahma I and II douars. On this occasion, the Sovereign symbolically handed over allocation certificates to sixteen beneficiaries of the "Al Marwa" and "Azzaïtoun" projects, which comprise 767 and 370 two-family lots respectively.
As an integral part of the slum clearance programme in the Greater Casablanca region, these projects (222 million DH), launched by H.M. the King on 28 March 2011, reflect the constant solicitude that the Sovereign continues to show towards disadvantaged social categories by enabling them to access decent housing under advantageous conditions and to improve their living environment. These projects are in line with the efforts deployed for the creation of mixed and integrated housing zones and for the completion of actions to combat insalubrious housing, thereby improving the urban landscape of the Mohammedia prefecture.
The "Al Marwa" project consisted of the development of 808 land plots divided into 767 two-family lots for the relocation of slum dwellers, 32 social mix lots, 7 lots intended for the construction of public facilities, and two other lots to house commercial activities. This project, carried out by the Al-Omrane Group on a total area of 24 hectares, also provides for the construction of several local facilities, some of which have already been completed (school, middle school), while others are nearing completion (mosque, socio-educational centre, police station) or are in the pre-launch phase (health centre). The project for the construction of a vocational training centre is in the study phase by the Office of Vocational Training and Employment Promotion (OFPPT). The "Azzaïtoun" project, carried out by the company Idmaj Sakane, covers a total area of 10 hectares.
It consisted of the development of 370 two-family lots, 25 social mix lots, and three lots intended for the construction of public facilities, including a socio-sporting centre (already completed). Within the framework of an interactive local approach, the beneficiaries of these two projects will benefit from support, particularly technical, during all phases of the construction of their future homes. It should be noted that these operations are part of the regional programme for the clearance of slums in Greater Casablanca, implemented in accordance with the High Orientations of H.M. King Mohammed VI. This programme is the result of broad consultation between the various partners at both central and regional levels. Marked by the participation of public authorities, elected officials, technical services, public and private developers, and NGOs, it is based on a global approach, the main foundations of which are the adoption of the relocation method via two-family land plots in order to meet the preference of 95% of households for this type of housing. The remaining 5% are scheduled within the framework of relocation operations in apartments.
