The urban commune of Mohammedia has finished the redevelopment of the "18 November" garden. Located between the Hassan II and Abderrahmane Serghini boulevards and Safi Street, this green space covers a total area of 17,000 m². A budget of 382,800 DH was allocated to the paving work on Safi Street, the layout of the paths, the maintenance of the benches, the lighting, as well as the planting of new species. According to municipal officials, this amount also includes the maintenance and painting of the fencing for the entire garden. Nevertheless, they point out the absence of public toilets, which risks posing many environmental problems within the garden. Questions are also being asked about the future of this space after its inauguration. "Despite the efforts made and the budgets reserved for the redevelopment of green spaces, they often return to their usual state of degradation," specifies a municipal official. For him, the only alternative to this concern would lie in the conclusion of partnerships with civic-minded companies for maintenance and security work in order to give life back to this green space steeped in history, a place for nostalgic people, families, and lovers of nature and relaxation. This green space is among the oldest in the city. It contains a diversified plant heritage and plays an important role in the landscape of Mohammedia. Let us recall that the former city council had concluded a contract in 2005 to restore this garden to its beauty for a budget of 2 million dirhams. This affair had caused a lot of ink to flow and sparked controversy between the majority and the opposition. "The first phase of the '18 November' garden had been redeveloped, but the second was not carried out to completion," stresses a municipal official. This garden had unfortunately lost all its charm for a long time and was languishing in a state of deadly abandonment. Its redevelopment is likely to restore the natural balance in a highly polluted city. Equipped with protective iron gates and fencing, the garden is characterised by its water feature with a lake and a waterfall. The garden's watering system is connected to the existing well. The development of the 18 November park should serve as a model for the various parks and green spaces in the city by giving them a new life. Urban pressure requires officials to develop existing green spaces and create others, particularly in working-class neighbourhoods, to preserve the balance of the ecosystem. This would orient reflection towards highlighting processes for preserving natural spaces, especially if they are located close to an agglomeration. The population is also called upon to beautify the neighbourhoods and to plant flowers on balconies and, above all, to ensure that green spaces are left in good condition with their normal use. Everyone will thus be part of the effort so that Mohammedia finally reconquers its title as the city of flowers.

Despite its potential in planted spaces, the landscape image of Mohammedia requires significant work.

The city should think about valuing its green spaces, its forests, as well as its wetland included on the Ramsar list in January 2005. This zone fulfils numerous functions. It stores water, protects the city from storms, and controls floods. This semi-natural space with great ecological potential is a reservoir of biodiversity for numerous species.

-* This project required a budget of 382,800 DH.

-* The garden contains a diversified plant heritage.