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Environment

Addressing Morocco's Water Crisis: Progress, Challenges, and Future Initiatives

Tuesday 23 January 2024 - 15:17

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Morocco has made significant strides in replenishing its water reserves since September 2023, yet continues to grapple with a substantial water deficit attributed to persistent drought conditions.

Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, reported that recent rainfall has augmented Morocco's water storage capacity by over 600 million cubic meters, resulting in a reduction of the national water deficit from 70% to 57%. Despite this improvement, the dam filling rate stands at 23.2%, below last year's level of 31.7%.

In response to the ongoing crisis, the Moroccan government has initiated an ambitious infrastructure program, including the construction of new dams throughout the country. Several major dam projects are already in progress, with additional plans slated for the upcoming year. Concurrently, the government is heavily investing in seawater desalination, with multiple large-scale desalination plants scheduled for completion in the next few years.

Beyond these long-term strategies, Morocco is implementing emergency measures to guarantee sufficient drinking water supplies. These measures encompass installing floating pumps at dams for both agricultural irrigation and drinking water, drilling new wells, and deploying mobile desalination units to regions severely impacted by the crisis.

Recently, His Majesty King Mohammed VI chaired a working session to review the government's action plan, emphasizing the optimization of water usage, facilitating emergency water transport, and implementing restrictions on agricultural irrigation. The plan also prioritizes the completion of dam and water transfer projects to interconnect Morocco's major river basins.

Through a comprehensive approach involving new infrastructure, enhanced management practices, and emergency relief, Morocco aims to alleviate the consequences of its ongoing water crisis. While challenges persist, the country has made significant progress in replenishing its water reserves over the past six months. The government anticipates that this multifaceted strategy will enhance resilience against future droughts.