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The history of water in Morocco is rich, and the Water Museum in Marrakech is a testimony to this. But it is not possible to renounce or earn hard currency at the expense of water security!
Our country has launched an emergency program for 2020-2027 with a budget of more than 120 billion Moroccan dirhams and a long-term plan for 2050 estimated at 400 billion dirhams. Many projects are being launched at an accelerated pace due to the five-year drought and the increasing demand for water and irrational consumption in some sectors.
King Mohammed VI has taken it upon himself to strictly and clearly order the evaluation of all relevant sectoral programs for rationalization. In particular, the monarch has called for water not to become a field of political conflict and aggravation of social conditions.
Based on years of research and experience in the field, I believe without a doubt that the greatest priorities facing our country are morality, territorial integrity, security, water, food, education, health, employment, energy, the justice system, the family and governance.
In order to contribute to the national debate on water, to call for meaningful initiatives, and to responsibly fulfill our religious and national duties, I call for the following
– Support and appreciate the efforts of the State in all water programs and projects, and adhere to plans to rationalize consumption, which is approximately 85% in agriculture and 15% in urban and residential areas.
– Learn from the experience of Latin American countries, among others, that have promoted export agriculture and water-intensive industries. This policy ultimately paid off both socially and economically, making it a valuable source of lessons for anticipating and meeting future challenges.
– Be vigilant and cautious of investors who move from one country to another after depleting the water supply, exploiting the land and incentives in the worst possible way and possibly using harmful fertilizers to increase production!
– Work for the creation of a solidarity fund for water, while increasing the price of water consumption. This means taking into account the purchasing power of families registered in the social registry and the lower middle class.
– Demand the provision of targeted support to economic and agricultural activities on the need to rationalize water use according to transparent and fair standards, with more financial incentives allocated to investors who achieve satisfactory results.
– Rigorously approve projects for the commercial and agricultural use of public lands, municipalities and foundations, with a commitment to sustainable activities that consume less water.
– Mandatory or institutionalized use of trees and food, ornamental and medicinal plants, which consume less water and are more resistant to drought, and which are also abundant and profitable. Australia’s experience can serve as a model in this regard.
– Promote the conversion of agricultural activities to those that consume less water, with support similar to that provided for less polluting and less fuel-intensive modes of transportation.
– Accelerate the completion of the wastewater recycling program, as it is an invaluable and inexhaustible resource, while allowing the private sector to invest in, exploit and market it!
– Launching a mandatory program to allocate more than two-thirds of green spaces, whether in social, cultural or tourist departments or facilities, and to use appropriate trees and plants.
– Expediting the completion of the national program for the maintenance of the water supply and distribution network in order to reduce water losses, which sometimes reach 20%.
– Starting an annual national campaign to rationalize water consumption while encouraging practical, cultural and artistic production.
– Referring to Islamic and national education to increase commitment and maturity in behavior and morals, fulfillment of duties, and improvement of consumption patterns, especially water, in addition to adhering to values, preserving health, combating deviation, promoting science and knowledge, and preserving the interests and wealth of the nation, especially those related to water.
– Finally, setting an example in the rationalization of water consumption by the high officials, servants and employees of the state, as the latter may fall under the state’s responsibility for all the above-mentioned are required to do so and serve as a role model for society.
Water is not to be wasted, even if it is abundant or used for ablution, as the Messenger of God, may God bless him and grant him peace, told us and taught us.
Allah has warned us that “the spendthrifts are the brothers of the devils,” even if they are law-abiding citizens, high-ranking officials, or respected professionals.
I was very pleased when last Friday’s sermon on water was widely circulated in Morocco. I am deeply convinced that correct and conscious religiosity can contribute to comprehensive and sustainable development, reduce deviation and dishonesty, curb extremism and fanaticism, contribute to the fight against corruption, preserve the family, and improve consumption patterns in everything, especially water, which is the basis of life.
May God grant us sufficient rain, may He not deprive us of His mercy, and may He guide us to the best ways of rationalization and sustainability.
Read also: Drought Beyond Rules: Moroccans Must Adapt or Dry Up
Aziz Rabah is a member of the Justice and Development Party and a former Minister of Transportation.
