Morocco's Strategic Focus on Water Resilience
The Moroccan government is undertaking a comprehensive program aimed at diversifying the country's water supply while enhancing management of water demand. This initiative is crucial for a nation facing the challenges of water scarcity, particularly in arid and mountainous regions. The strategy, as highlighted by Le360, emphasizes the importance of emergency projects, seawater desalination, and effective water transfers as means to bolster the nation's resilience against water shortages. However, it has been noted that progress in managing water demand and advancing wastewater reuse has not kept pace with these developments.
Infrastructure Development and Agricultural Transformation
To ensure a consistent and sustainable water supply, the Moroccan government is focusing on three primary strategies: the construction of small and hill dams designed for rainwater harvesting, accelerated seawater desalination processes prioritized for both human consumption and irrigation in select areas, and the strategic transfer of water between various basins and regions where it is feasible. This ambitious plan includes the establishment of approximately 400 hydraulic structures and the development of six new desalination plants in addition to those already operational, aiming to mobilize an impressive 1.8 billion cubic meters by the year 2031. A significant component of this initiative is the second phase of the Bouregreg-to-Oum Er-Rbia water transfer project, which is expected to play a vital role in the overall water management framework.
The demand for water will be addressed through innovative approaches such as shared-management aquifer contracts and strict limitations on groundwater extraction to prevent overexploitation. Furthermore, the Moroccan government is committed to accelerating the reuse of treated wastewater, particularly for green spaces and sports facilities. Regulations governing the allocation of water from dams will be revised to ensure more equitable distribution, and the oversight of public hydraulic resources will be strengthened. A participatory national water plan is also in the works to establish a clear vision for each water basin, reflecting the government's commitment to sustainable water management.
Agriculture plays a crucial role in this water strategy, as evidenced by the current dam stocks which stand at over 11.1 billion cubic meters, boasting a fill rate of 65.7% as of early October—significantly improved from 32.1% a year prior. The program emphasizes the importance of localized irrigation practices, with a target to implement water-saving irrigation across approximately 1.2 million hectares, nearly 70% of the country's irrigated land. The introduction of water meters, financial assistance linked to water balance, and solar-powered pumping systems are all part of a shift towards optimizing water use based on value added per cubic meter rather than traditional measures of hectares and tons.
Additionally, the government has dedicated resources to improve water access in rural areas, aiming to provide drinking water to unconnected communities, enhance public fountain accessibility, and expand sanitation facilities. Plans are underway to establish around 1,000 water points in pastoral regions, with a goal of ensuring that every school in Morocco has access to clean drinking water and adequate sanitation by 2031. This comprehensive approach underscores Morocco's commitment to enhancing water security and promoting sustainable development throughout the nation.
As reported by northafricapost.com.
