King Mohammed VI: Preserving Water is a National Responsibility

Rabat – King Mohammed VI stressed on Monday that the preservation of water is a national duty, urging all Moroccans to participate in safeguarding this vital resource.

“Preserving water is a national responsibility that concerns all institutions and all stakeholders. It is also every citizen’s solemn duty,” he said during his Throne Day speech commemorating the 25th anniversary of his ascension to the throne.

The monarch stressed the urgent need for rational and responsible use of water, reflecting on the considerable investments made to secure water resources and the ongoing challenges of waste and misuse.

“Spending billions and billions in order to mobilize water resources, only to see that cases of waste and misuse continue to exist, is unacceptable,” the King asserted

In addition, he urged the authorities to adopt stricter measures to protect the country’s water resources, including the establishment of a “water police” to regulate and curb excessive water use and chaotic pumping practices.

He also emphasized the need for better coordination between water policy and agricultural policy, particularly during periods of water scarcity, as well as advocated for the widespread implementation of drip irrigation techniques across the country.

“In the same vein, we need to adopt a more ambitious program for the treatment and reuse of water,” he said, stressing that reclaimed water could become a vital resource for irrigation, industry, and other needs.

The King also called for innovation and investment in new water management technologies to further enhance the country’s water sustainability.

In addition, the speech highlighted the successful impact of water desalination plants in the country’s southern provinces, particularly in Dakhla, where these facilities have significantly contributed to economic and social development.

“I therefore call for the expansion of the Dakhla plant and an increase in the production capacity of similar facilities in the future,” the King stated, noting the region’s potential for clean energy production to meet the growing demands of agriculture, tourism, and industry.

The royal remarks come as Morocco faces a worsening water crisis due to several factors, including climate change, population growth, and agricultural demands.

The country has experienced recurrent droughts, leading to decreased water availability and heightened competition for resources.

Despite efforts by the government to address these challenges, issues of water waste and inefficient use persist. Agricultural practices, which consume the majority of the country’s water, often rely on traditional irrigation methods that are less efficient than modern techniques like drip irrigation.

In addition, urban areas face challenges related to water distribution and infrastructure, which leads to significant losses and inefficiencies.