Morocco Unveils Water Management Strategy Amid Climate Challenges

Before the House of Representatives on Monday, Saâd Eddine El Othmani stated that "Morocco has become, despite the importance of rainfall, less dependent on climate vagaries economically as well as at the level of gross domestic product". However, the government is committed "to commissioning two to three dams each year," assures the head of the Executive, who stressed that the Kaddoussa dams in the province of Errachidia, Sidi Abdellah in the Taroudant region, Kharroub in Tangier and Toudgha in the province of Tinghir, will be commissioned this year.

The other aspect of the water policy that impresses Saâd Eddine El Othmani is related to the increase in the wastewater treatment rate. From 8% in 2008, this rate has risen to 45% currently, with the aim of a 65% rate by 2022. Better, the number of treatment plants has been multiplied, over the past twelve years, from 21 in 2008 to 140 today.

The head of government also announced that the first tranche of the wastewater treatment program would allow Morocco to have 100 million cubic meters of water, through the realization of 82 projects, 22 of which concern the irrigation of golf courses. Indeed, "golf courses will only be watered with treated water," reports Telquel.

Among other innovations brought by this drinking water supply program, El Othmani notes the implementation of the provisions of the national program which will require a budget envelope of around 115 billion dirhams spread over five axes, focusing on the development of the water supply by the construction of 20 large dams with a capacity of 5.38 billion cubic meters.

Regarding the supply of drinking water in rural areas and the fight against precariousness in certain areas during the dry season, 659 drinking water supply centers will be programmed for an envelope of 5 billion dirhams. This will be for the happiness of nearly 7,876 douars, for a total envelope of around 9.68 billion dirhams.