A significant event in Casablanca’s Sidi Bernoussi district involved white foam covering streets, linked to heavy rainfall and potentially industrial waste discharge. Authorities are investigating the situation, which poses public health risks and has revived discussions on urban planning and industrial zoning. This occurrence is unprecedented in scale compared to previous incidents.
In Casablanca’s Sidi Bernoussi district, an extraordinary incident occurred as large quantities of white foam enveloped numerous streets, causing significant disruption and environmental worries. This unusual phenomenon was reported on Tuesday night, coinciding with heavy rainfall that followed a prolonged period of drought in the region. Witnesses described the foam as having a distinct odor reminiscent of cleaning products, which rapidly immobilized vehicles in its path.
In light of this event, Said Sabri, the president of the Sidi Bernoussi district, announced the establishment of a joint commission to identify the origin of this unusual substance. Authorities have mobilized specialized teams to collect samples for comprehensive analysis and have not dismissed any possibilities regarding the foam’s source.
Ahmed Afilal, vice-president of the Casablanca municipality responsible for sanitation and liquid waste management, expressed growing concern about this phenomenon, highlighting potential public health risks and danger to coastal environments, particularly in Sidi Bernoussi and Ain Harrouda. The Regional Multiservice Company Casablanca-Settat (SRM-CS) has also launched its investigation in collaboration with appropriate authorities.
Preliminary analyses suggest a connection between the foam and a nearby detergent manufacturing facility that may have improperly discharged industrial waste. Experts have proposed that multiple factors may be at play, including excess surfactants from detergents, untreated industrial or domestic discharges, decomposing organic matter, malfunctioning treatment plants, or filamentous bacteria.
Local residents have recalled similar previous incidents during heavy rainfall, but none have matched this episode’s severity. Initially, some residents mistook the substance for an unexpected snowfall, contributing to the resulting confusion. This situation has reignited conversations about urban planning and industrial zoning, particularly regarding the proximity of industrial units to residential areas.
Local authorities recognize that while reports of white foam in Sidi Bernoussi are not new, the current occurrence is unprecedented in scale. This incident mirrors a similar event reported in neighboring Algeria last month, where foam covered an entire neighborhood in Ain M’lila. Nonetheless, officials in Casablanca assert that their situation holds distinct characteristics that necessitate a thorough and specialized investigation.
The emergence of the mysterious foam in Casablanca’s Sidi Bernoussi district raises significant environmental and public health concerns. As local authorities investigate its origins, preliminary findings suggest a possible link to industrial waste discharge. This unprecedented scale of foam has prompted discussions on urban planning and the effects of industrial proximity to residential areas, reminiscent of similar incidents in neighboring Algeria.
Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com
