The inhabitants of Mohammedia are concerned and saddened by the demolition of the "Villa de la Tranquillité" located in the La Colline district. For some time now, ancient works of art, old buildings, and edifices that constitute the historical heritage and memory of the city have been threatened. Everything that has historical and architectural interest in the city of flowers continues to degrade or has been razed without any reaction from the services concerned. Worse still, after the destruction of one of the oldest structures, the "Portuguese Bridge", and the buildings of the old station built in 1930, which was refurbished at the time with a historical character, it is the turn of an iconic residence to suffer the same fate. Indeed, the "Villa de la Tranquillité", with its evocative name of peace, as well as various outbuildings, gardens, and tree plantations created between 1929 and 1931 by Prince Charles Murat and the princess, born Margaret Stuyvessant, has been completely razed in total indifference. For those nostalgic, nothing remains of the city's history and its heritage riches but the sweet memory. The demographic push and the unbridled urban extension have altered the authentic aspect of the city, as well as its heritage riches that had contributed to its influence.

The transformations, explains Najib Zahraoui, president of the Kasbah Association, have denatured the authentic aspect of the city, particularly the Kasbah. "Despite our numerous grievances, stresses Najib Zahraoui, it is always a deaf ear from those who are supposed to ensure the safeguarding and rehabilitation of the city's heritage, which constitutes a historical and tourist wealth. How can one remain insensitive to the continuous degradation of the ramparts of the Kasbah and its old buildings, some of which are in danger of ruin?" he indignantly asks.

Many are those who, like him, plead in favour of the rehabilitation of these places linked to history. For this other associative activist, "the heritage of the Kasbah is a legacy of time, it is a living memory that must be preserved. The destruction of the 'Villa de la Tranquillité' is another error that cuts the city off from a part of its history". This villa belonged to Ben Bouazza Al Majdoub. It was confiscated from him at the time. It is characterised by its Arab-Moorish architectural style. History will unfortunately not change the situation or resurrect the late "Villa de la Tranquillité". Article 50 of the municipal charter states that among the duties of the president of the municipal council is participation in the safeguarding and protection of historical and cultural heritage. The latter must take the necessary measures in accordance with the legislation and regulations in force. Faced with the degradation of heritage riches, public authorities, local communities, associations, civil society, and the university are called upon to save the old buildings, the walls, and the buildings of the Kasbah to reconcile Mohammedia with its history.

Many period buildings have been destroyed, such as the bridge built by the Portuguese and the Pont Blondin, which were razed and replaced by bridges that are more modern and better adapted to road traffic. The same applies to the Fedala Brickworks, one of the first companies in the city. Created in 1912, the Brickworks specialised in the manufacture of bricks and tiles. Today, it no longer exists.

The old Mohammedia station built in 1930 was demolished, even though it had been renovated several times before. However, preserving its period facade would have been more appropriate, as was done for Rabat.

-* The old "flowery villas" with attractive designs in the lower city have disappeared in the face of the push of increased urbanisation, giving way to buildings that have disfigured the aesthetics of the places.

-* The services concerned must get involved to preserve the aesthetics of the city and curb the haemorrhage that threatens its heritage riches.