Morocco: Water crisis worsens amid mounting climate issues
As the summers get hotter in Morocco and the land dries up, drinking water becomes increasingly scarce in major cities causing anger among many moroccans who have been left high and dry by the government.
According to Hespress, reported on August 19th, the water crisis which was once only a concern for the rural regions of Morocco has now become an issue shared by some of the suburban areas of its major cities.
Communities in Souk El Arbaa, Sibi Slimane, and the coastal village of Achmaala near Chefchaouen are said to be especially affected by the crisis, with locals reporting low pressure and frequent interruptions in recent weeks.
Families have allegedly gone days without running water, and in the scorching summer heat, residents grow frustrated by the governments lack of action. The people of Souk El Arbaa have resorted to voicing these frustrations on social media.
“Don’t give us excuses,” one resident wrote, criticising the authorities for the ongoing shortages. “Rich areas never lose water” he continued, underscoring the disproportionate burden of the issue on poorer communities. The regional multi-service company did acknowledge a malfunction in the main supply line, however claimed the line supplying the town fell outside of their area of responsibility.
Meanwhile, in Sidi Slimane and Achmaala, the crisis has reportedly been causing problems for months, to the point where it has stopped water running in tourist rental homes.
Environmental experts say the critical situation is down to numerous factors, mainly concerned with rainfall and farming practices. Environmental analyst, Mostafa Beramel, highlighted the mix of erratic rainfall and extreme heat exacerbate the reduction of both surface and underground water supply.
“Rain no longer falls regularly or enough to recharge aquifers,” he said, highlighting how rising temperatures are evaporating surface water at a faster rate.
As Maghrebi reported, Morocco experienced a rainfall deficit of 24.8% in 2024, an alarming issue for an economy heavily reliant on agriculture.
The Moroccan government have apparently invested $14.2 billion in national programs attempting to address the complications.
Hespress, Maghrebi.org
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