Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Marrakech – Casablanca, the economic heart of Morocco, is grappling with an unprecedented water crisis as the city faces the consequences of prolonged drought and diminishing water reserves.
Mayor Nabila Rmili sounded the alarm during an extraordinary session of the city council on Wednesday, revealing that the water flow in Casablanca has been reduced by 10% and urging residents to use water responsibly to avoid potential cuts.
“We no longer have sufficient water reserves, which requires concerted efforts to avoid water cuts in the city at certain times,” Rmili stated.
She emphasized 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.
Rmili highlighted the city’s current dependence on water from the Bouregreg River basin and the ongoing efforts to connect Casablanca to the Jorf Lasfar desalination plant.
“We are waiting for the completion of the connection works to the Jorf Lasfar water desalination station, which we hope will end in September, to ensure the supply of drinking water for the southern part of Casablanca,” she added.
The mayor’s warnings come amidst growing concerns over the city’s water quality, with residents in some neighborhoods noticing an increase in water salinity.
On social media, Casablancans are questioning the reasons behind the salty taste of tap water and calling on authorities to address the issue.
In response to the crisis, King Mohammed VI has ordered the implementation of major water projects to combat scarcity.
Read also: Drought Beyond Rules: Moroccans Must Adapt or Dry Up
During his speech commemorating the 25th anniversary of his ascension to the throne, the King stressed the urgency of addressing Morocco’s water challenges, calling for innovative solutions and improved governance.
“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.”
He emphasized the importance of the National Program for Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation 2020-2027 in alleviating some of the water challenges and 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 speech, the government accelerated efforts to advance the National Water Program.
In a steering committee meeting led by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch, strategies were discussed to boost the program’s implementation and regularly update its elements to expedite necessary investments in the water sector.
Casablanca’s water crisis is not an isolated issue, as Morocco has been facing several challenges linked to drought and water scarcity in recent years.
In June, Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan launched the construction of the Casablanca seawater desalination plant, the largest of its kind in Africa, with an annual production capacity of 300 million cubic meters.
The project aims to meet the growing water demand in the Casablanca region and surrounding areas.
