Rabat – King Mohammed VI has chaired a working session at the Royal Palace in Rabat to address the pressing issue of water scarcity in Morocco.
The meeting, which took place on Tuesday, focused on the challenges posed by the deficit in rainfall and intense pressure on the country’s water resources.
During the session, the Moroccan Minister of Equipment and Water Nizar Baraka presented an overview of the current water situation in Morocco.
Between September 2023 and mid-January 2024, a concerning 70% deficit in rainfall was recorded compared to the usual average, Baraka revealed.
Concurrently, dam reservoir levels indicate a decline from 31.5% in the corresponding period the previous year to a precarious 23.2%.
An urgent action plan, which was prepared by relevant sectors following the king’s directives, was also presented before the monarch.
The plan includes measures such as optimal use of resources, emergency facilities for water transportation, and restrictions on irrigation water usage.
In addition, it will focus on completing planned projects, including dam constructions and initiatives aimed at connecting the basins of Sebou, Oum E-Rbia, and Oued Bou Regreg.
This also includes initiatives for seawater desalination plants and the use of treated wastewater.
During the session, King Mohammed VI emphasized the need for heightened vigilance and concerted efforts to address water security challenges to ensure a sufficient supply of drinking water across all regions of the country.
He also urged the government to maintain transparent communication with citizens, including keeping them informed about water situation developments and the implemented emergency measures.
The working session was attended by key figures, including the king’s advisor Fouad Ali Al-Himma, Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit, Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Mohamed Sadiki, among other officials.
