Rabat – Morocco has been facing challenges in its water management policies for nearly six years, prompting the government to work tirelessly to address the dire impacts on its industry and citizens.
A stark example of this crisis is the recent major water shortage that has affected Beni Mellal, Afourar, and nearby areas, where residents have gone without water for over five days.
Many families have had to seek alternative sources to meet their basic needs, particularly during the intense heat the region is known for.
This ongoing water drought has sparked frustration and anxiety among Moroccans as water supplies continue to dwindle.
Morocco’s agriculture sector is also grappling with these challenges.
A Fitch Solutions report reveals that, as of 2022, around 80% of the country’s cultivated land relied on rain-fed agriculture, highlighting the pressing need for water infrastructure investments.
Recent droughts have exacerbated these issues, leading to a drastic decline in wheat production from 7.5 million tonnes in 2021/22 to just 2.7 million tonnes in 2022/23, which has reduced the country’s wheat self-sufficiency ratio from 71.8% to 27.1%.
Morocco engages internationally on water issues
In a bid to mitigate these urgent issues’ impact, a Moroccan delegation from the Ministry of Equipment and Water is participating in the 8th India Water Week, which began yesterday in New Delhi.
Established by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in 2012, this biennial event brings together international leaders to discuss water resources.
Running until Friday, the summit serves as an international platform for over 5,000 participants to discuss ongoing issues such as water security, resource sustainability, and climate resilience.
Other topics include collaborative integrated water resource management, infrastructure challenges, and innovative disaster management approaches.
On December 14 of last year, Morocco and India signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi to boost cooperation in water resource management. This partnership focuses on the exchange of expertise in key areas like the design, construction, and maintenance of hydraulic infrastructure, particularly large dams and water transfer projects.
The agreement also focuses on integrated water resource management, flood and drought prevention, sustainable development, and groundwater management. It encourages the collection and utilization of rainwater while promoting resilience and adaptation to climate change.
Morocco’s path to water security by 2030
In response to the ongoing water crisis, the Moroccan government has proposed several key strategies, including connecting hydrographic basins, launching water interconnection projects, expanding seawater desalination, and constructing new dams.
The Ministry of Water and Equipment reported a 70% rainfall deficit in January compared to the average over the past 30 years, while summer temperatures soaring to 50°C are drying up aquifers and threatening rivers.
To combat this, Morocco aims to produce 1.7 billion cubic meters of desalinated water annually by 2030 through approximately 30 plants, sufficient to provide drinking water for half the population.
Currently, 11 desalination facilities are in operation, including one in Al Hoceima that generates up to 17,280 cubic meters per day.
Meanwhile, funding for water projects was increased to MAD 143 billion ($14.7 billion) in August, as part of the National Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation Program (PNAEPI), which spans from 2020 to 2027. This initiative aligns with King Mohammed VI’s directive in his 25th Throne Speech, calling for urgent action to tackle the nation’s water scarcity issues.
