Moroccan Minister Warns of ‘Alarming’ Situation Due to Water Scarcity, Drought

A dry field is pictured near Marrakech, Morocco February 12, 2022. (Reuters)
A dry field is pictured near Marrakech, Morocco February 12, 2022. (Reuters)
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Moroccan Minister Warns of ‘Alarming’ Situation Due to Water Scarcity, Drought

A dry field is pictured near Marrakech, Morocco February 12, 2022. (Reuters)
A dry field is pictured near Marrakech, Morocco February 12, 2022. (Reuters)

Morocco’s Minister of Equipment and Water Nizar Baraka warned that the water situation in the kingdom is “alarming” and that it is likely to endure drought this year.

Speaking at parliament on Monday, he said agricultural production will consequently be “below average” this year.

He added that the sharp drop in rainfall since 2018 has decreased the levels of water in the kingdom’s dams to 33.7%.

The kingdom's dam reservoirs are currently holding 5.44 million cubic meters of water.

Rising temperatures have also contributed to water evaporation, proving another source of water scarcity.

Baraka also noted challenges resulting from the war in Ukraine, revealing that Morocco only has a four-month reserve of grains.

The prices of construction materials also increased, which raised the cost of equipment and building dams.

In order to ensure water security in Morocco, Baraka said the government has focused on four steps: increasing the pace of dam construction, desalinating seawater, developing coastal areas with local water and using dam water for internal regions.

Moreover, he stated that the construction process of 16 dams has kicked off.

The government is expected to build 20 dams by 2027.

Baraka noted the implementation of a plan to desalinate 300 million cubic meters of water in Casablanca, revealing that 20 similar projects are expected to be carried out.

As for wastewater treatment, he said Morocco can treat up to 70 million cubic meters, with the aim to raise it to 700 million cubic meters.

He called for developing a policy to address violations, such as the random drilling of wells and water theft.



China's Xi Visits Morocco, Meets with Crown Prince

Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters
Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters
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China's Xi Visits Morocco, Meets with Crown Prince

Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters
Chinese President Xi Jinping. Reuters

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a short visit to Morocco on Thursday, according to state media from both countries.
Xi was welcomed in Casablanca by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan and the visit reflected the strong bonds of friendship, cooperation, and solidarity between the Moroccan and Chinese peoples, Morocco's MAP said.
The Crown Prince and Moroccan Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch met Xi at the airport, where Xi and Hassan had a "cordial conversation", China's state broadcaster CCTV said.
Xi made the visit after being in Brazil for the G20 Summit.
China has stepped up investments in Morocco's infrastructure and rail sector in recent years.
Morocco's geographic location close to Europe, its free trade agreements with key EU and US markets and its existing automotive industry, make it attractive to Chinese electric vehicle battery makers.
In June, Chinese EV battery manufacturer Gotion High Tech picked Morocco to set up Africa's first gigafactory for a total cost of $1.3 billion.