Morocco Launches Crackdown on Illegal Wells After Tragic Death of Child

After the tragedy in Chefchaouen, the government wants to fight the proliferation of illegal wells. The announced operation will consist of closing these wells or restoring them, in order to prevent any risk to populations and animals, depending on the conditions specified in the drilling authorizations, said Abdelaziz Zerouali, director of water research and planning at the Ministry of Equipment and Water in an interview with the MAP.

To this end, the water basin agencies will "carry out a complete census of abandoned wells, in coordination with the local authorities". In case of non-compliance with these procedures, the agency concerned will proceed to secure the abandoned wells at the expense of the offender, with the possibility of legal action, he warned.

From now on, anyone who wants to dig a well must submit a file available on the portal of the Water Basin Agency to which they belong. After study and investigation by a specialized commission, the drilling authorization is granted if all the legal conditions required are met. The decision issued by the Director of the Agency sets the conditions for carrying out the work, the duration of the work and the safety standards to be respected.