Morocco’s “water highway” project redirects northern river surplus to supply critical drinking water to Rabat and Casablanca, investing $728 million thus far. While it has mitigated immediate water shortages for millions, concerns regarding long-term sustainability arise due to ongoing drought conditions and climate change effects that may limit future water availability.
Morocco is investing heavily in a project known as the “water highway” to transport surplus water from northern rivers to drought-stricken areas in the south, particularly benefiting urban centers like Rabat and Casablanca. With an expenditure of $728 million to date, officials assert that this initiative has successfully prevented a water crisis for approximately 12 million individuals in the most populous regions of the country.
Currently, the “water highway” collects excess water from the Sebou River via a diversion dam in Kenitra. The water is treated and transported through a 67-kilometre underground canal, supplying drinking water to Rabat and Casablanca. Since its inauguration in August, over 700 million cubic meters of water have been delivered to these cities, addressing immediate needs.
Despite these accomplishments, concerns about long-term sustainability arise as Morocco faces its most severe drought, with reduced annual water reserves declining from 18 billion cubic meters in the 1980s to around five billion today. Prolonged drought coupled with rising temperatures exacerbates water challenges, raising questions about the future availability of surpluses from the northern rivers.
Experts highlight that ongoing climate change may significantly diminish water availability, with projections indicating that the northern basins will face more severe impacts than those in the south over the next sixty years. Immediate attention is required to adapt irrigation practices in agriculture and to invest in alternatives like desalination to ensure water security.
Morocco’s “water highway” represents a critical response to its water crisis, having largely alleviated immediate shortages in major cities. Nonetheless, its sustainability is under scrutiny as climate change threatens future water supplies. Ensuring robust water management practices and diversifying water sources will be essential to navigating these challenges.
Original Source: www.thedigitalcourier.com
