Doha – An unusual phenomenon has emerged in Casablanca’s Sidi Bernoussi district as massive amounts of white foam covered several streets, disrupting traffic and raising environmental concerns among residents and officials alike.
The incident, which happened Tuesday night, coincided with heavy rainfall that has been affecting Casablanca and other Moroccan cities following years of drought.
Witnesses reported that the foam carried a distinct cleaning product odor, with the substance spreading rapidly through the streets and immobilizing vehicles in its path.
In response to this unprecedented situation, Said Sabri, president of the Sidi Bernoussi district, announced the formation of a joint commission to investigate the source of this mysterious substance.
Authorities immediately mobilized specialized teams to collect samples for thorough analysis, refusing to rule out any hypotheses at this stage.
For his part, Ahmed Afilal, vice-president of Casablanca municipality in charge of sanitation and liquid waste management, emphasized that this phenomenon has become increasingly concerning in recent months.
He stressed that it presents serious risks to both public health and the coastal environment, particularly in the areas of Sidi Bernoussi and Ain Harrouda.
The Regional Multiservice Company Casablanca-Settat (SRM-CS), responsible for liquid sanitation in the city, has promptly initiated its own investigation in collaboration with relevant authorities.
Early assessments show that the foam might be linked to a nearby detergent manufacturing facility that may have discharged industrial waste without adhering to proper standards.
Experts suggest the phenomenon could result from several factors, including excess surfactants from detergents and chemical products.
Other theories put forward untreated industrial or domestic discharge, decomposing organic matter, malfunctioning treatment plants, or the presence of filamentous bacteria.
Local residents note that while similar incidents have occurred in the district before, particularly during heavy rainfall, the scale of this episode is unprecedented.
Some initially mistook the white substance for unexpected snowfall, adding to the confusion that spread through the neighborhood.
This event has reignited debates about urban planning and industrial zoning, particularly regarding the presence of industrial units within residential areas.
Local authorities confirm this is not the first time residents have reported white foam appearances in the Sidi Bernoussi area, though never of this magnitude.
The situation mirrors a similar incident that occurred in neighboring Algeria last month, where mysterious foam covered an entire neighborhood in Ain M’lila. However, Casablanca officials maintain that their case presents unique characteristics requiring thorough investigation.
