Political Disputes Surrounding Water Management in Casablanca-Settat
The recent ordinary session of the Casablanca-Settat Group of Territorial Collectives (GCT) has unveiled significant political tensions and profound disagreements among its members, particularly regarding public contracts related to water management in rural areas. The discussions predominantly centered on the management of water points in these rural zones, especially within the Settat province. According to reports from local media, the session also saw the resignation of Nabila Rmili, the group’s president, due to the accumulation of parliamentary duties alongside other institutional responsibilities, which raised concerns about conflicts of interest.
During the session held in October 2026, it was highlighted that the implementation of anticipated reforms must take into account the precarious social and economic circumstances faced by the rural population, which constitutes a substantial portion of the region's inhabitants, estimated between 65% and 70%. The discussions aimed at ensuring that the pricing models for water access remain fair and specific, allowing residents to obtain water without incurring excessive financial burdens. This initiative is crucial as it aligns with the broader goal of expanding access to potable water across the region.
Furthermore, a significant agreement was reached to transfer the management of 6,150 water points to the Regional Multi-Service Company (SRM) Casablanca-Settat. This transfer is expected to address social considerations for the rural populations affected by these changes. However, the session was marked by heated debates over the management of an additional 557 water points and the strategies needed to handle these resources without negatively impacting the purchasing power of the local communities. The necessity for better coordination among various GCT entities regarding public contracts and development projects was also a critical point of contention.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
