Casablanca authorities investigate foul port odors
Residents complain of smells linked to imported livestock held at the port.
Residents of Casablanca’s Old Medina are complaining of strong, foul odors near the city’s port, prompting local authorities to launch an investigation. The smell, which residents say is increasingly disruptive, is believed by some to be connected to livestock imported from Latin America that remains on ships for extended periods.
Casablanca-Settat regional authorities, acting on instructions from Governor Mohamed Mhidia and with the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA), have begun field investigations. Deputy mayor Moulay Ahmed Afilal stated the city council is also investigating whether the odors stem from the reception and holding of imported livestock at the port, examining hygiene and health-safety measures.
Afilal visited Casablanca Port to inspect the situation and has not ruled out that waste from imported calves and other livestock held there is the source of the smell. Affected residents are demanding that the source be addressed to ensure a clean and healthy living environment.
Why it mattersCasablanca residents are affected by foul odors originating from the port, impacting their living environment.