Concerns grow over surge in mental illness cases

In recent weeks, people with mental illness have begun to take up residence on the streets of Morocco, especially in Casablanca. Incidents have also occurred in Lahraouyine and Hay Mohammadi. Some of these have been of an aggressive nature. Moreover, the attacks carry many risks, including causing serious physical harm to the victims, including cuts, broken bones, and even death in some cases. These incidents can cause psychological trauma to the victims, leading to anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, while also increasing citizens’ fear and insecurity in public places, affecting the significant improvement of the quality of life in many cities.

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Hayat Laaraich, MP of the Popular Force Socialist Alliance party, is concerned about the surge in mentally ill people and sent a written question to the Ministry of Solidarity and Social Integration, asking what measures will be taken to reduce the risk of attacks on mentally ill people. People can promise, as well as take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of citizens in public places. It also explores whether there are measures to provide these people with the necessary health and psychological care and allow them to integrate into society in a safe way.

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The Casablanca-Settat region has already started investigating this issue. It focuses on the implementation of an ambitious project aimed at providing housing for people with mental and psychological illnesses. This involves the construction of a large reception center on 20 hectares of land belonging to the State, in the commune of Sidi Hajjaj Oued Hassar, in the Mediuna governorate. This center should not only make a significant contribution to reducing the number of people on the streets, and thus the risks that threaten the safety of citizens, but it will also provide these people with the necessary health and psychological care, which will facilitate their integration into society in a safe way. Its inauguration is planned to take place before the 2030 World Cup, some of which will be held in Casablanca.