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Rabat – A new program to combat industrial pollution will mobilize a budget of MAD 19 billion ($1.9 billion) over the 2024-203 period, according to Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development.
At a Chamber of Councilors session on Tuesday, Benali reported on developing a draft program to prevent and combat industrial pollution for 2024-2035.
The financial package for the program, currently pending approval from concerned departments, will be sourced through international partnerships with contributions from both public and private sector stakeholders, said the minister in response to questions on waste management in major cities.
Highlighting the ministry’s dedication to mitigating the impact of industrial waste, Benali revealed that the ministry signed a pact toward the execution of projects focused on collecting, treating, and valorizing waste from the olive sector.
With a budget of MAD 185 million ($18.5 million) and a substantial contribution of MAD 60 million ($6 million) from the Department of Sustainable Development, the objective is to devise sustainable solutions for the by-products generated during olive oil extraction.
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Benali added that the ministry contributed to the financing of 125 projects to combat liquid, gaseous, and solid industrial pollution across the nation.
These financial arrangements for industrial pollution control amounted to a budget of MAD 1 million ($100 million) comprising almost MAD 338 million ($33.9 million) in grants.
Benali further underscored the ministry’s efforts in assisting industrial enterprises through the Industrial Depollution Fund (FODEP) and the Voluntary Mechanism for Industrial Depollution (MVDIH), aimed particularly at liquid waste management.
Established in collaboration with international partners, these funds provide financial incentives, covering up to 40% of the total cost, to encourage environmental upgrades within companies.
In terms of legislative and preventive measures, Benali referenced a series of laws aimed at safeguarding and enhancing natural resources against various forms of pollution. Notably, one such example is the framework law 99.12, constituting the National Charter for the Environment and Sustainable Development.
This law mandates public and private companies to adopt sustainable procurement, operational, and production methods. It also necessitates environmental audits to assess the impact of their activities on the environment.
These initiatives point towards Morocco’s commitment to environmentally sustainable development and the country’s resolve to address pressing global challenges while fostering a greener future for future generations.
