Second Explosion in Water Supply Channel Causes Renewed Disruptions
In a troubling development for residents of Fes and Meknes, a second explosion has occurred in the main water supply channel originating from the Idriss I dam. This incident took place just hours after the completion of repairs on the first fault that had previously affected the system. The explosion occurred late Saturday night in the Benjliq area, leading to further interruptions in the supply of potable water to several neighborhoods in both cities. Technical teams were promptly dispatched to the scene to initiate repairs once again.
According to information obtained by Le360, the latest explosion happened approximately 20 meters from a clay extraction site, which resulted in the halting of water flow from the Idriss I dam to the main reservoirs. Consequently, residents in multiple neighborhoods in Fes, including Taghat, Ouyina al-Hujaj, Zawaga, and the Narjis district, are experiencing either a complete lack of water or significantly reduced water pressure. Similar issues are reported in various areas within the Meknes prefecture.
Earlier, technical crews had successfully repaired the first fault in the main supply channel, which had persisted for over four days before the second explosion occurred just as pumping operations were resumed. This alarming situation has prompted the need for the technical teams to regroup and continue their repair efforts.
Civil society actors have raised concerns regarding soil erosion caused by excavation activities at clay extraction sites, urging relevant authorities to assess the condition of the area. This situation emerges amidst ongoing demands from the community for transparency regarding the recurring faults in the main supply channel and for the implementation of sustainable technical solutions to ensure a reliable water supply for the Fes-Meknes region, especially during the summer months when temperatures soar and demand for water increases.
As reported by ar.le360.ma.
