Massive white foam flooding in Casablanca’s Sidi Bernoussi has disrupted traffic and raised environmental concerns. Authorities are investigating the source of this foam, which may be linked to local industrial practices, while local officials emphasize the need for improved urban planning.
Casablanca’s Sidi Bernoussi district recently experienced an unusual occurrence where substantial amounts of white foam inundated several streets, leading to significant traffic disruptions and raising environmental concerns among residents and local authorities. This incident transpired on a Tuesday night, coinciding with heavy rainfall affecting various Moroccan cities after prolonged drought conditions.
Witnesses described the foam as having a distinct odor reminiscent of cleaning products, rapidly spreading and immobilizing vehicles in its vicinity. In response to this phenomenon, Said Sabri, the president of the Sidi Bernoussi district, initiated the formation of a joint commission tasked with investigating the source of this mysterious substance. Specialized teams were mobilized promptly to collect samples for comprehensive analysis.
Ahmed Afilal, vice-president of the Casablanca municipality responsible for sanitation and liquid waste management, expressed increasing concerns regarding this phenomenon, emphasizing its potential health risks and environmental implications, particularly for the Sidi Bernoussi and Ain Harrouda areas. The Regional Multiservice Company Casablanca-Settat (SRM-CS), which oversees liquid sanitation, has also launched an investigation in conjunction with relevant authorities.
Preliminary assessments suggest that the foam may originate from a nearby detergent manufacturing facility that might have improperly discharged industrial waste. Expert analyses indicate that various factors could contribute to the foam’s appearance, including excess surfactants from cleaning products, untreated industrial or domestic wastewater, organic decomposition, malfunctioning treatment plants, and filamentous bacteria presence.
Residents noted that, while similar foam incidents had occurred before during heavy rains, the current event is unprecedented in scale. Some individuals initially mistook the white substance for snow, adding to the prevailing confusion in the area. This incident has reignited discussions about urban planning and the impacts of industrial zoning, particularly in residential locales.
Local authorities acknowledged that occurrences of white foam in the Sidi Bernoussi area are not novel; however, the magnitude of this event is particularly alarming. This situation is reminiscent of a similar incident in Ain M’lila, Algeria, reported last month, yet officials in Casablanca assert that their investigation presents unique challenges that require thorough appraisal.
The incident of mysterious foam flooding in Casablanca’s Sidi Bernoussi district raises significant environmental and public health concerns. The investigation into its source, potentially linked to industrial practices, underscores the need for better urban planning and adherence to environmental standards. This unprecedented event highlights the growing importance of monitoring industrial activities in residential areas to prevent similar phenomena in the future.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
