Morocco’s government is extending a water-rationing campaign to affect car washing services and public hammams in the Casablanca-Settat region and across Morocco.
Converging reports have said that the Casablanca governor Mohamed Mhidia announced details for the strict water-saving measures.
They include prohibiting the use of potable water for car washing, and ceasing operation for car washing services on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.
Additionally, public hammams must close on the same days as part of these measures, seeking to rationalize water use in the city.
Cleaning roads and public spaces with water is also strictly prohibited.
“The Wali has also decreed an absolute ban on watering green spaces and public gardens, as well as filling public and private pools more than once a year. Planting grass, whether by public or private services, is also prohibited,” Le360, a French news outlet, reported.
This comes as Morocco has been facing a challenging situation due to drought and delayed rainfall.
In December last year, Morocco’s Ministry of Interior called for water usage to be moderated in a memo addressed to several local leaders in response to the drought that the country has been facing for several years.
The drought over the past few years has “dangerously” affected Morocco’s water reserves, the ministry said, and has caused dam reserve levels to go down drastically.
The cause has been attributed to record-low rainfalls throughout the country over recent years, a common phenomenon during global warming.
Morocco’s government has acknowledged the challenging situation, stressing that drinking water is currently a top priority.
In a recent interview, Minister of Agriculture Mohamed Sadiki spoke of the adoption of a series of measures, including restrictions against the expansion of water-intensive crops like citrus fruits, avocados, and watermelons. He said that Morocco is now favoring more drought-resistant products, including pistachios, carob trees, almonds, argan trees, olives, and date palms.
The pledges came amid concerns about the mounting expansion in the production of water-thirsty crops, including citrus fruits, avocados, and watermelons.
Read Also: Water Shortage: Morocco’s Water Deficit Drops to 57%, Remains Elevated
