Minister Nizar Baraka reported improvements in Morocco’s water situation due to recent rains but confirmed the ongoing effects of drought. He noted significant increases in dam storage and monthly precipitation in various regions. Baraka emphasized continued efforts to manage water resources effectively, especially through dam construction, to combat future droughts. Morocco’s dam capacity is expected to grow significantly by 2030.
Nizar Baraka, Morocco’s Minister of Equipment and Water, addressed the country’s ongoing struggle with drought despite recent rain and snowfall. In a broadcast on Tuesday, he noted improvements but emphasized that Morocco remains in a structural drought crisis. However, he conveyed optimism about decreasing drought intensity due to the positive impacts of recent precipitation.
He detailed the effects of rainfall on various sectors, indicating improved dam reservoirs, potable water supplies, and groundwater levels. Regions like Chefchaouen, Taza, and Taounate benefited from over 300 millimeters of rain, with Rabat and Beni Mellal receiving more than 170 millimeters. Significant snowfall also covered 11,000 square kilometers, marking a notable improvement compared to last year.
Baraka revealed that current water storage in dams has reached 6 billion cubic meters, accounting for over 35% of total capacity. In the past ten days, the dams experienced a filling boost of 1.4 billion cubic meters. Four major water basins—Loukkos, Tensift, Oum Er-Rbia, and Moulouya—have also surpassed 50% capacity.
He acknowledged a reduction in drought levels, with Morocco now in a moderate drought state, down 18% from the average annual level. However, certain regions like Tensift and Souss remain affected while others have progressed out of severe drought. The improvements are expected to support drinking water supplies in cities such as Errachidia and Zagora for the next two to three years.
Baraka stressed the importance of implementing royal directives for optimal water resource management, particularly through rainwater storage and dam construction to mitigate flooding risks. He noted that the construction timeline for dams has been shortened to between 6 months and 3 years.
In summary, Baraka pointed out that Morocco’s dam storage capacity stands at 20 billion cubic meters, with 6 billion cubic meters currently available due to recent rains. He anticipates this capacity will reach 26 billion cubic meters by 2030.
In summary, despite recent rainfall and snowfall in Morocco, the country continues to face challenges associated with drought. However, there have been improvements in water storage levels and groundwater replenishment. Ongoing efforts to optimize water management and construction of new dams are crucial for addressing these water shortages. The situation shows progress, but further actions are necessary to fully mitigate the impacts of drought.
Original Source: fesnews.media
