Authorities in Rabat continue to clear buildings in L’Océan as part of a major redevelopment of the historic district, with compensation for property owners also underway. However, several local elected officials say they remain unaware of the nature of the planned projects or the identity of the investors.
Although Rabat authorities have not provided details, sources close to the project, speaking anonymously, say the demolition area will extend across the western part of the district. It will cover the area between Avenue Abdelkader El Khattabi, Boulevard Mustapha Assayeh, and the Four Seasons hotel on the seafront.
All buildings along this stretch are expected to be demolished. Several elected officials have raised concerns over the lack of information about the planned projects. “We have no visibility on the identity of the project developers,” they said.
A reliable source, however, provided details about the purchase of buildings and houses. According to the source, the process is “being carried out in full compliance with the law,” with the Rabat office of the State Property Directorate negotiating directly with property owners.
As part of the redevelopment, the state is seeking to create plots of at least 700 square meters. Approved notaries formalize the sales based on set valuation rates: 13,000 dirhams per square meter for titled properties and 10,000 dirhams for properties covered by adoul deeds.
Families living in unsanitary basement housing have been relocated to state-funded apartments, with local authorities tasked with identifying eligible beneficiaries.
According to several residents, the area is expected to include residential developments, hotels, and restaurants offering panoramic ocean views. “After turning our backs on it for decades, the aim is to bring our coastline up to the level of Spain’s southern coast,” the source said, adding that “the land must first be cleared before investors, whether Moroccan or foreign, can be identified.”
Questions remain, however, over the project’s institutional status. Other local officials say the project still does not appear on the Rabat Urban Agency’s platform or that of the Regional Investment Center (CRI).
The coming months are expected to provide more details about this major redevelopment, which is intended to protect the rights of all parties involved.
