HIBAPRESS – By: A. Mhayawi
In a field step that reflects the accelerating pace of urban rehabilitation projects, the local authorities in the city of Kenitra began, this morning, Monday, the demolition of a number of commercial stores and residential units in the "Souk Sebt" area, within the framework of preparing the real estate designated for the completion of a new bus station for passengers with modern specifications.
The operation included the demolition of 44 commercial stores and four residential units belonging to the community, under the direct field supervision of a number of local officials, including the Pasha of the city and heads of territorial interests, in addition to the intense presence of various security services, elements of the auxiliary forces, and agents of authority, where the surroundings of the workshop were secured and the movement of traffic was organized in a controlled manner. The demolition operation witnessed an important logistical mobilization, by harnessing heavy machinery that enabled the implementation of the works in a gradual and organized manner, while respecting the technical standards adopted in this type of interventions, which ensures safety and efficiency in implementation. In the context of proactive measures, the Regional Multi-Service Company SRM cut off water and electricity services to the concerned shops before the start of the works, to avoid any potential risks, in a precautionary step that reflects the keenness on the safety of the interveners and the environment. This operation took place in a framework of transparency, as it was preceded by a precise enumeration of the shops and units concerned, in implementation of the directives of the governor of the province, aimed at ensuring the management of this file according to a good governance approach, while preserving the rights of all concerned parties. Local data also confirmed that this workshop was not surprising, but came after a series of consultative meetings with the shop owners, under the supervision of the municipal council, where it is expected to enable the affected parties to receive compensation or alternative spaces, especially in the industrial zone, to ensure the continuity of their commercial activities. This project comes within the framework of a comprehensive vision for the rehabilitation of urban transport infrastructure, through the completion of a new bus station with a financial envelope estimated at 117 million dirhams, and a completion period of up to 20 months, with the aim of organizing the intercity transport sector and reducing the manifestations of chaos known to this vital facility. The demolition works are still continuing amid a permanent field presence of the local authorities, in confirmation of the seriousness and actual involvement in the implementation of this project. The operation was also accompanied by societal activities, including the "Souk Sebt Concord Association," in a clear embodiment of the participatory approach in managing this urban workshop. This project is expected, upon its completion, to constitute a qualitative addition to the infrastructure in the city of Kenitra, and contribute to improving the travel conditions of passengers and upgrading the city's attractiveness at both the economic and service levels.
