Authorities Investigate Mysterious Foam Flooding in Casablanca’s Sidi Bernoussi

Casablanca’s Sidi Bernoussi district is facing a troubling incident of white foam flooding streets, linked to heavy rainfall and potentially improper industrial waste discharge. Local authorities have initiated investigations amid rising health and environmental concerns, while discussions on urban planning and industrial zoning have resurfaced.

In Casablanca’s Sidi Bernoussi district, a troubling phenomenon has resulted in substantial white foam blanketing several streets, causing traffic disruptions and raising environmental concerns. This incident occurred during heavy rainfall, following a prolonged drought affecting the region. Witnesses noted a distinct odor associated with the foam, which immobilized vehicles as it spread rapidly through the area.

In response, Said Sabri, president of the Sidi Bernoussi district, announced the establishment of a joint commission to investigate the foam’s origins. Authorities acted swiftly by mobilizing specialized teams to collect samples for detailed analysis, keeping all hypotheses open during the investigation.

Ahmed Afilal, the vice-president overseeing sanitation and liquid waste management for the Casablanca municipality, expressed significant concern regarding this phenomenon, which poses serious health risks and threatens the coastal environment, particularly around Sidi Bernoussi and Ain Harrouda. The Regional Multiservice Company Casablanca-Settat (SRM-CS) has also launched its investigation in coordination with relevant authorities.

Initial findings suggest that the foam could be linked to a local detergent manufacturing facility that may have released industrial waste improperly. Experts have posited various explanations for the foam’s emergence, including excessive surfactants from detergents, untreated industrial or domestic discharge, decomposed organic materials, malfunctioning treatment plants, or filamentous bacteria.

Residents have noted that previous foam incidents have occurred during heavy rains, but the current event’s scale is unprecedented. Some confusion ensued, with some individuals mistakenly believing the foam to be snowfall. The situation has sparked discussions on urban planning and industrial zoning, particularly the implications of having industrial units near residential areas.

Local authorities acknowledged that while reports of white foam in Sidi Bernoussi are not new, the current occurrence is uniquely substantial. This incident parallels a similar situation in Algeria last month, where foam inundated a neighborhood in Ain M’lila, though officials maintain that Casablanca’s case has distinct characteristics warranting rigorous investigation.

In summary, the unexplained white foam flooding in Sidi Bernoussi, Casablanca, has raised significant environmental and health concerns among authorities and residents. Investigations are underway to determine the source of this foam, with initial assessments suggesting potential links to industrial practices. This incident not only highlights urgent ecological issues but also reignites discussions on the adequacy of urban planning in residential areas adjacent to industrial facilities.

Original Source: www.moroccoworldnews.com