Morocco averts water crisis as Akhannouch highlights critical infrastructure role

Saturday 29 November 2025 - 11:56

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco averts water crisis as Akhannouch highlights critical infrastructure role

Morocco has narrowly avoided a severe water crisis, according to Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, who revealed that critical infrastructure projects have stabilized the country's water supply, sparing 12 million citizens from drastic shortages.

Critical water shortage averted

Akhannouch described the recent state of Morocco's water resources as perilous, citing a combination of prolonged drought and high consumption as key factors. He credited the government's strategic water transfer initiative, which channels water from the Sebou basin to the Abidar Raqraq basin, for averting a looming catastrophe. This project has provided hundreds of millions of cubic meters of water annually, ensuring consistent supply to urban centers such as Casablanca and Rabat.

The prime minister highlighted the consequences of years of mismanagement and lost opportunities in water resource planning. Recent figures show that Morocco lost 766 million cubic meters of water 11.4% of its strategic reserves in just a few months, underscoring the urgent need for accelerated investment in desalination and dam construction.

Government initiatives and progress

In response to the crisis, Akhannouch reaffirmed the government's commitment to prioritizing water management programs. These include expanding desalination facilities, enhancing distribution networks, and implementing long-term solutions to address the growing water deficit. He acknowledged criticism over delays but maintained that current initiatives are progressing steadily.

The measures aim to mitigate climate impacts and agricultural demands, which have placed immense pressure on Morocco's resources. Without these interventions, millions living in water-stressed areas could have faced severe disruptions to daily life.

Regional and economic impact

Akhannouch's remarks also highlight broader implications for Morocco's economy and regional water security. While the prime minister has faced scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest linked to desalination contracts, the focus remains on building long-term resilience. Strengthening water infrastructure is seen as essential not only for meeting immediate needs but also for ensuring economic stability in the face of escalating environmental challenges.

Morocco's water crisis reflects a growing regional problem, reinforcing the urgency of sustained investments to secure future supplies.