Moroccan Village Thirsts for Royal Intervention as Water Crisis Deepens

The inhabitants of the douar, whose number is estimated between 250 and 400 families, are engaged in a daily struggle to obtain a drop of water. And for good reason, they have only one source of drinking water, which is supplied only once every six days or once a week, and for a limited duration. "The fountain is outside the douar, and when the water comes once a week, the place becomes crowded. Some manage to fill their jerrycans, others leave empty-handed," narrates one of the inhabitants of Ghres Ali to the Al3omk website. "We have spent the whole summer in thirst. We only ask for drinking water, we ask for basic needs," adds another.

While the crisis is worsening during the summer season with the rise in temperatures, no local official, according to the inhabitants, has been able to find a solution for them. They also deny the allegations of the president of the Taounate provincial council. "We heard a statement in which he claims to have found a solution for us. This is false and the images he showed are doctored. Here is the fountain in front of you, we will open the tap now: there is no water," they affirmed.

According to them, the problem is not new, and the promises to improve the situation have never materialized. "We were promised three fountains years ago, we filed the requests, and we are still waiting. The officials take advantage of the modesty of the people and their lack of literacy," declares a citizen. Faced with this persistent crisis, one of the victims calls on King Mohammed VI for help. "We no longer trust anyone. We call on [...] King Mohammed VI and the high officials to intervene and find a solution for us. We ask for nothing more than our right to water, this fundamental need of life."