Tangier market nears reopening six months after devastating fire

About 200 shopkeepers are preparing to return to Tangier’s Beni Makada neighborhood market six months after a massive fire destroyed much of the facility and caused millions of dirhams in losses.

A city official told Hespress that reconstruction has reached an advanced stage, with final touches underway on most sections. Authorities are reviewing the market’s electrical connections to prevent another fire before reopening.

Part of the market had to be demolished after the blaze. Work on the new structure has progressed significantly, the official said, adding that construction of the first floor will begin once the ground level is completed.

The fire in March gutted 280 shops, of which more than 80 were completely destroyed. Local authorities say the rebuilt market will include new safety measures, including relocating electricity meters outside the facility for easier monitoring.

Merchants, many of whom have been without income since the fire, say they are eager to reopen, particularly as the back-to-school season approaches, a period that traditionally brings high sales.

Three companies were contracted to carry out reconstruction, but traders have criticized what they describe as a slow pace of work. Despite delays, reopening most of the market is expected to ease concerns among vendors, with fewer than 20% of shops still awaiting completion.