Water desalination boosts Morocco's water security

In recent years, Morocco has taken important steps to strengthen its water resources, notably through the development of seawater desalination plants. These essential infrastructures not only address immediate water needs, but also lay the foundations for sustainable water management in the midst of growing challenges related to climate change and population growth. 

Said Temsamani, analyst, policy advisor and member of the Washington Press Club, notes in Al-Arab that under the leadership of Morocco's King Mohammed VI, Rabat's commitment to strengthening water security has become 'clear and unequivocal'. 

During the last session of the Advisory Council, the Moroccan Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, confirmed that the country's water desalination capacity currently stands at 192 million cubic metres, of which more than 80 million cubic metres is for drinking water. 

The technology and resources invested in water desalination have been key. These efforts have made possible the creation of two major plants in Agadir and Al Hoceima, which mark an important milestone in the Moroccan National Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation Programme 2020-2027. 

These facilities not only supply urban centres but also boost agricultural activities, which is crucial for sustainability throughout the country. 

The Agadir desalination plant, which became operational in early 2022, represents Morocco's proactive approach to water scarcity. It was commissioned in urgent circumstances and was vital for the city's residents, ensuring a reliable supply of drinking water.  

Looking ahead, ambitious plans are being developed to increase desalination capacity. The next mega-plant in Casablanca, scheduled to start operations in 2026, promises to significantly increase daily water production. This project also reinforces Morocco's position as a regional leader in the field of water management.  

Moreover, Morocco's commitment in this sector goes beyond infrastructure development. It represents a comprehensive approach that combines technological innovation with environmental management and social justice. By prioritising water security through desalination, Morocco is also setting an example for other countries facing similar water scarcity problems. 

Minister Baraka recently launched the first phase of a public awareness campaign aimed at water conservation. This initiative is fundamental to promoting a culture of responsible water use, ensuring that every drop is valued and preserved.  

In addition, Baraka outlined several urgent measures for this summer, including the acceleration of dam construction and the purchase of 204 mobile saltwater desalination units, in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior. The Moroccan minister also stressed the importance of domestic production, stating that meetings with industry players are essential to ensure adequate water supply. 

Morocco's path towards water security through seawater desalination is a clear example of proactive governance based on sustainable development. By harnessing technological advances and embracing renewable energy, Morocco is not only securing its future, but also reaffirming its commitment to global sustainability goals. 

However, despite Morocco's efforts to combat drought, these remain insufficient, prompting Rabat to activate an emergency plan to support the national plan in the short and medium term.   

This plan includes a set of short-term measures, including the optimal mobilisation of resources at the level of existing dams, wells and desalination plants, the establishment of emergency teams for water transport and supply, and the restriction of irrigation water use. 

In parallel, the pace of completion of planned projects with a medium-term impact will be accelerated, in particular the dams under construction, the projects linking the Sebou, Bouregreg and Oum Er-Rbia basins, the national programme of seawater desalination plants and the programme for the reuse of treated wastewater. 

Faced with the growing demand for water, due to the development of industrial activity and the agricultural sector, the Moroccan authorities have urged the sectors and bodies concerned to redouble their vigilance and efforts to meet the challenge of water security and guarantee the supply of drinking water to all regions of the Kingdom. 

The need for transparent and regular communication with citizens on the evolution of the water situation and the urgent measures to be taken has also been stressed, while developing campaigns to raise awareness of the importance of saving water and combating all forms of waste and misuse. 

Morocco's water needs are estimated at more than 16 billion cubic metres per year, 87% of which is for agricultural consumption. However, water resources have not exceeded five million cubic metres per year for the past five years.