Morocco is investing in a “water highway” to supply water from northern rivers to parched cities in the south, with an expenditure of $728 million to date. Officials claim success in preventing water crises for up to 12 million residents, but experts caution about the long-term viability of the water supply amid severe drought and climate change challenges.
Morocco is allocating substantial funds to develop a “water highway” that redirects the surplus flows of the Sebou River to provide water for arid cities in the south. The North African nation has invested $728 million thus far, addressing immediate water supply needs in populous areas such as Rabat and Casablanca. Future plans include harnessing more northern rivers to benefit Marrakesh, further enhancing the water supply network.
Officials have hailed the project as a success in preventing water shortages for approximately 12 million residents. Mahjoub Lahrache, a senior official from the agriculture ministry, highlighted that the project averted a crisis, particularly as Rabat faced severe water scarcity in late 2023. Vulnerable regions in Morocco have historically contended with considerable rainfall disparities between the northern and southern territories, complicating water accessibility.
To address these challenges, a diversion dam has been constructed in Kenitra to capture the Sebou River water before it reaches the ocean. This water is processed and subsequently distributed through a 67-kilometer underground canal to Rabat and Casablanca. Since its inauguration in August, the water highway has delivered over 700 million cubic meters of drinking water to these major urban centers by early March.
However, experts are skeptical about the longevity of the water surpluses from the Sebou and other rivers. Morocco is currently experiencing a prolonged drought, with annual water supplies diminishing significantly from averages in the 1980s to approximately five billion cubic meters today. Despite recent rainfall in March, precipitation levels remain 75 percent below historical averages, marking the longest drought period in Morocco’s recorded history.
Climate change poses an additional threat, as increasing temperatures have led to heightened evaporation rates. Nabil El Mocayd, a water and climate researcher, warned that future climate scenarios suggest northern basins will experience more significant impacts than their southern counterparts, jeopardizing the reliability of the water surplus that current projects depend on.
Additionally, the agricultural sector, employing a considerable portion of the workforce, continues to exert high demand for water. Researcher Abderrahim Handouf advocates for the adoption of efficient irrigation techniques and underlines the importance of expanding desalination efforts to ensure adequate drinking water supplies for major cities. While the water highway is a pragmatic short-term solution, long-term sustainability remains in question due to climate challenges.
In summary, Morocco’s investment in the “water highway” is a critical measure to alleviate water shortages in major urban areas. However, the sustainability of this initiative is under scrutiny amid severe drought, declining annual water supplies, and the impending impact of climate change. Enhanced irrigation practices and increased investment in alternative water sources, such as desalination, will be essential to ensure lasting water security in the region.
Original Source: www.swiowanewssource.com
