A Quarter Century of Progress: King Mohammed VI Addresses National Water Crisis and Achievements

On Monday, King Mohammed VI commemorated the 25th anniversary of his ascension to the throne with a compelling speech that highlighted both the remarkable strides Morocco has made and the pressing challenges it faces. The monarch's address, characterized by a blend of pride in national achievements and a call to action on critical issues, resonated deeply with citizens.

The Royal Speech: A Testament to Progress and Challenges

Celebrating Milestones

King Mohammed VI began by reflecting on the transformative journey Morocco has embarked upon over the past 25 years. "During these years, and by the Grace of the Almighty, we have accomplished a great deal in terms of political and institutional reforms and the consolidation of the Moroccan identity," he stated. The King highlighted significant economic and social initiatives that have fostered social cohesion and provided citizens with essential services.

Acknowledging Challenges

Despite these accomplishments, the King underscored the ongoing challenges, particularly the escalating water crisis exacerbated by prolonged droughts and climate change. "Six consecutive years of drought have had a profound impact on water reserves and groundwater, making the water situation more fragile and complex," he noted. King Mohammed VI emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue through innovative and efficient measures.

Strategic Initiatives for Water Management

National Program for Water Supply

King Mohammed VI reaffirmed his commitment to the 2020-2027 National Program for the Supply of Drinking Water and Irrigation Water, which has played a crucial role in mitigating the severity of the water crisis. He called for regular updates to the national water policy and stressed the importance of ensuring access to drinking water and sufficient irrigation water across the country.

Infrastructure Projects

The King outlined several large-scale projects aimed at enhancing water management, including the completion of dam construction and inter-basin water transfers. These initiatives are designed to optimize the distribution of water resources and prevent the loss of valuable water to the sea.

Seawater Desalination

A significant focus of the King's speech was on the expansion of seawater desalination plants, aiming to produce over 1.7 billion cubic meters of water annually by 2030. This initiative is expected to cover more than half of Morocco's drinking water needs and support agricultural activities, thereby bolstering food security. The Casablanca desalination plant, set to be Africa's largest and the second largest globally powered entirely by clean energy, was highlighted as a key project.

Renewable Energy Integration

King Mohammed VI stressed the importance of integrating renewable energy with desalination efforts. He called for the expedited completion of the electrical connectivity project to transfer renewable energy from southern provinces to central and northern areas. This integration is vital for the sustainable operation of desalination plants.

Call to Action

National Responsibility

The King emphasized that preserving water resources is a collective responsibility. "Preserving water is a national responsibility that concerns all institutions and all stakeholders. It is also every citizen’s solemn duty," he declared. He urged stricter measures to prevent water wastage and promote rational use of water resources.

Innovation and Investment

King Mohammed VI called for increased innovation and investment in water management technologies. He encouraged the development of a national water desalination industry and the training of specialized engineers and technicians.

Solidarity with Palestine

In addition to domestic concerns, King Mohammed VI expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, reaffirming Morocco's commitment to supporting constructive initiatives for peace and humanitarian aid.

A Nation United

Concluding his address, King Mohammed VI expressed gratitude to all citizens and national institutions for their contributions to Morocco's progress. He paid tribute to the nation's defenders and invoked a verse from the Quran, underscoring the divine blessing of rain and the promise of renewal.

The King's speech, a blend of reflection, gratitude, and a call to action, not only celebrated a quarter-century of progress but also set a resolute course for addressing the challenges ahead. As Morocco continues to navigate its path forward, the emphasis on sustainable water management and national unity remains paramount.