RABAT Feb 16 (Reuters) – Lydec, a unit of France’s Suez Environment which provides utility services for Morocco’s biggest city, said it had been ordered to pay 546 million dirhams ($64.2 million) by Casablanca’s city council for alleged breach of contract.

« On February 10, (Casablanca’s City Council) sent a letter to Lydec requesting that a payment for the said amount be paid, » Lydec said in a statement, noting that the claimed amount related to « technical and economic commitments specified » under a 30-year concession contract which began in 1997.

Lydec, 51-percent owned by Suez Environment, said it « has always objected to both the proceedings and the findings of the audit » conducted by Casablanca’s city council.

« Under the provisions of the services management contract … Lydec will resort to a complementary expertise by a specialized and independent firm, » it added. (Reporting By Souhail Karam. Editing by Mark Potter)

http://af.reuters.com/article/moroccoNews/idAFL5E8DG44720120216