Moroccan Government’s Emergency Plan to Tackle Water Crisis

The Moroccan government has presented an emergency plan to tackle the country’s water crisis, which is expected to reach a high level of water stress by 2040 due to climate change-induced temperature rise.

The country recorded a 70% rainfall deficit from September to mid-January 2024, and the filling rate of dams dropped from 31.5% to 23.2%.

King Mohammed VI has emphasized the need for accelerated medium-term projects, including the release of $14 billion for the National Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation Program (PNAEPI 2020-2027) and the construction of a $250 million seawater desalination station in the Dakhla region.

Other planned projects, such as dam construction, interconnection between basins, seawater desalination stations, and water saving programs, will also be accelerated.

The Cherifian kingdom is one of the most affected by water stress, impacting the agricultural sector.