Moroccan Government Intensifies Efforts to Address Water Shortages

Rabat – The Moroccan government is ramping up efforts to fast-track the completion of several key hydraulic projects.

During a press conference in Rabat yesterday, Mustapha Baitas, the Minister Delegate for Relations with Parliament and government spokesperson, highlighted the urgency of projects such as dams, water interconnection initiatives, and seawater desalination efforts.

Baitas also discussed other key initiatives, especially those focused on linking hydrographic basins, and stressed the government’s commitment to alleviating the effects of reduced rainfall, which has been particularly pronounced over the last three years.

To support these initiatives, the government has raised the funding for these projects to MAD 143 billion ($14.7 billion), Baitas reported.

This initiative is part of the broader National Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation Program (PNAEPI), a strategic project spanning from 2020 to 2027, which initially had a budget of MAD 115 billion ($11.3 billion).

These initiatives align with the directive set forth by King Mohammed VI in his 25th Throne Speech, which called for a swift response to the country’s water scarcity.

In line with this agenda, numerous projects have been introduced to address the current water stress.

This month, the Rabat-Sale-Kenitra region has increasingly turned to wastewater treatment plants (STEPs) to boost water resources.

Since their launch, these plants have reduced potable water usage in the region by 11.7 million cubic meters.

Designed to recycle treated water for irrigating green spaces and golf courses, these facilities also contribute to environmental sustainability by minimizing pollution and improving nutrient recycling.