Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Yousra Rhardoud
Published on 2024-03-25 21:37:00
The African Development Bank (ADB) has reiterated its concerns about the increasing scarcity of water, not only in Morocco but also globally, as a direct consequence of the effects of climate change.
According to the pan-African financial institution, the situation in Morocco is indicative of a growing water shortage, exacerbated by rapid population growth. This shortage now threatens all sectors, from basic services to agriculture, industry, and tourism.
The water crisis in Morocco is not a new phenomenon, emphasizes the ADB. It has been ongoing for six years, marked by a steady decrease in groundwater levels and a slowdown in reservoir filling. Currently, the average Moroccan consumes just over 600 cubic meters of water per year, a quarter of what was consumed less than six years ago, according to the report.
The Moroccan government has been aware of this crisis for several years and has taken various actions to address it. Projects to improve access to water have been implemented, including accelerated dam construction, seawater desalination, wastewater reuse, and initiatives to promote water conservation.
Despite these efforts, the document points out that the water crisis persists, and international reports, such as the World Bank’s, emphasize that current measures are unsustainable.
Instead of addressing fundamental issues like water use efficiency and governance, current responses focus mainly on increasing water supply through dam construction and desalination, solutions that are proving financially and environmentally unsustainable.
The report concludes that the situation is “financially and environmentally unsustainable,” highlighting the urgent need for action. It also emphasized the need for government policies to focus on reducing water losses and adopting effective measures to address water challenges.
It is essential for government policies to focus on reducing water losses and adopting effective measures to address water challenges. Awareness campaigns aim to promote rational water use, including restrictions on activities such as car washes and public baths.
Read the original article(French) on L’Opinion
