Agadir Residents Face Frequent Water Cuts as Morocco Battles Drought

Occasional drinking water cuts are one of the actions that the Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, is implementing to regulate water consumption and encourage responsible use. But this measure is not well received by the residents of Agadir. According to Internet users, this city is experiencing sudden cuts. As a result, "the inhabitants of the city find themselves in a delicate situation that impacts the normal course of daily life".

"The situation of water cuts in certain cities of Morocco is worrying and requires immediate attention. It is crucial for every citizen to understand the seriousness of the crisis we are facing. Despite appearances, low rainfall does not mean we have overcome this crisis. In reality, our dams are almost empty, jeopardizing our strategic water reserve. Groundwater resources and aquatic vegetation have been depleted over the years," comments Mohammed Benata, agricultural engineer and Doctor of Geography at Hespress.

He paints an alarming situation. "We are in the midst of a major water crisis. [...] In Morocco, water availability has decreased considerably in recent years, particularly in the Souss and Agadir regions. Fortunately, a desalination plant in Chtouka Ait Baha provides drinking water to Agadir and also supports local farmers in irrigating their crops." To reverse the trend, the specialist recommends raising public awareness.

"It is therefore essential to further raise public awareness, involving the media and educational institutions in this approach. It is also urgent to accelerate the implementation of water desalination projects, whether large or small scale, in order to ensure a sustainable supply of drinking water for all," he recommends. And to add: "Measures such as restricting the flow of water during certain hours or certain days must be considered with wisdom and equity to ensure sustainable management of this vital resource."