Morocco Faces Critical Water Shortage as Reserves Dwindle

The most critical regions are those that are much more populated and in which agriculture is the main livelihood activity, reports Al Massae. This situation represents a threat to the population. In total, Morocco has only 500 m3/inhabitant/year of water resources compared to 2500 m3 in 1960.

Moroccans’ consumption far exceeds the amount of available water to the point of tapping into the strategic reserves of groundwater. To date, the dams are almost empty, as they are used for agriculture to the tune of 80%, industrial activities and households, it is indicated.

The other factor behind this water crisis is the maritime, mountainous and Saharan influence. Morocco is a country with a predominantly semi-arid to arid climate over the majority of its territory. To these reasons are added, poor management, water distribution pipelines, the practice of drip irrigation, excessive consumption, lack of maintenance and poor distribution of water across the national territory are among the causes of this water shortage in Morocco and the lack of wastewater treatment plants in tourist infrastructure.

Faced with this alarming situation, the authorities have planned a National Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation Program 2020-2027, developed in implementation of the orientations of King Mohammed VI, recalls the same daily. This program will strengthen the national potential. It also includes the construction of 179 dams with the realization of 14, currently under construction, and 20 by 2027. In addition, a seawater desalination project is also being developed to supply the city of Agadir with drinking water and to strengthen irrigation in Chtouka.