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Environment

King Mohammed VI's Call to Action: Safeguarding Morocco's Water Future

Tuesday 30 July 2024 - 11:20

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In a stirring address on the 25th anniversary of his ascension to the throne, King Mohammed VI underscored the imperative of water conservation, deeming it a shared national duty. His Throne Day speech articulated a pressing call for collective responsibility among all Moroccans to protect this critical resource.

"Preserving water is a national responsibility that concerns all institutions and all stakeholders. It is also every citizen's solemn duty," declared the monarch, underscoring the need for a unified front in addressing Morocco's water challenges.

Highlighting the extensive investments made to secure water resources, King Mohammed VI lamented the persistent issues of waste and misuse. "Spending billions to mobilize water resources, only to witness ongoing waste and misuse, is unacceptable," he asserted, urging a shift towards more rational and responsible water use.

A key aspect of the King's strategy includes the introduction of a "water police" to oversee and regulate water consumption and curb haphazard pumping practices. This initiative aims to enforce stricter measures to protect the country's water supplies.

King Mohammed VI also called for enhanced coordination between water and agricultural policies, especially during periods of scarcity. He advocated for the widespread adoption of drip irrigation techniques, emphasizing their efficiency and potential to conserve water.

"In the same vein, we need to adopt a more ambitious program for the treatment and reuse of water," the King stated, highlighting the potential of reclaimed water as a valuable resource for irrigation, industrial use, and other needs. He further called for innovation and investment in new water management technologies to bolster the country's water sustainability efforts.

The speech also celebrated the success of water desalination plants in Morocco's southern provinces, notably in Dakhla. These facilities have significantly contributed to regional economic and social development. The King proposed the expansion of the Dakhla plant and an increase in the production capacity of similar facilities to meet the growing demands of agriculture, tourism, and industry.

King Mohammed VI's address comes at a critical time as Morocco grapples with a severe water crisis exacerbated by climate change, population growth, and agricultural demands. Recurrent droughts have reduced water availability, intensifying competition for this vital resource.

Despite governmental efforts to tackle these challenges, issues of water waste and inefficient use remain prevalent. Traditional irrigation methods still dominate Moroccan agriculture, consuming the lion's share of the nation's water resources, yet lacking the efficiency of modern techniques like drip irrigation. Urban areas also face significant hurdles with water distribution and infrastructure, resulting in considerable losses and inefficiencies.

The King's call to action is a clarion call for Morocco to embrace a more sustainable and responsible approach to water management. It is a rallying cry for innovation, investment, and a collective commitment to securing the country's water future for generations to come.