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Environment

Casablanca's Water Woes: City Faces Unprecedented Shortage

Saturday 10 August 2024 - 10:50

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In a startling development, Casablanca, Morocco's economic powerhouse, is grappling with a severe water crisis that has forced authorities to reduce water flow by 10%. This measure comes as the city confronts the harsh realities of prolonged drought and dwindling water reserves.

During an extraordinary session of the city council on Wednesday, Mayor Nabila Rmili delivered a sobering message to residents. "We no longer have sufficient water reserves, which requires concerted efforts to avoid water cuts in the city at certain times," Rmili stated, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

The mayor revealed that over the past four months, authorities have accelerated the implementation of emergency measures to prevent interruptions in drinking water supply to the southern regions of Casablanca, Dar Bouazza, and Nouaceur. Currently, the city relies heavily on water from the Bouregreg River basin.

Efforts are underway to connect Casablanca to the Jorf Lasfar desalination plant, a project that authorities hope will be completed by September. This connection is expected to ensure a stable supply of drinking water for the southern part of Casablanca.

The water crisis has not only affected quantity but quality as well. Residents in some neighborhoods have reported an increase in water salinity, prompting concerns and calls for action on social media platforms.

In response to the escalating water challenges, King Mohammed VI has ordered the implementation of major water projects across the country. During his speech commemorating the 25th anniversary of his ascension to the throne, the King emphasized the urgency of addressing Morocco's water challenges.

"The challenges facing our country require us to redouble our efforts and vigilance," the King stated. "One of these major challenges is the issue of water, which is becoming increasingly complex due to drought, climate change, and rising demand."

The monarch highlighted the importance of the National Program for Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation 2020-2027 in mitigating some of the water challenges. He called for continuous updates to the national water policy to ensure all citizens have access to drinking water and that at least 80% of irrigation needs are met.

Following the King's directives, the government has intensified its efforts to advance the National Water Program. In a recent steering committee meeting led by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, strategies were discussed to boost the program's implementation and expedite necessary investments in the water sector.

Casablanca's water crisis is symptomatic of broader challenges facing Morocco. In June, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan launched the construction of the Casablanca seawater desalination plant, set to be the largest of its kind in Africa. With an annual production capacity of 300 million cubic meters, this ambitious project aims to meet the growing water demand in the Casablanca region and surrounding areas.

As Casablanca grapples with this unprecedented water shortage, the city's residents are being called upon to use water responsibly. The coming months will be crucial in determining how effectively the city can navigate this crisis and secure a sustainable water future for its population.