Morocco’s ambitious $728 million “water highway” project, designed to alleviate water scarcity in the country’s southern regions, faces growing concerns over its long-term sustainability due to climate change.
Morocco’s Water Highway: A Lifeline for Southern Cities
To address severe water shortages, Morocco has invested heavily in redirecting surplus water from northern rivers, such as the Sebou River, to provide drinking water to the nation’s most populous areas, including Rabat and Casablanca. Official figures show that the project has successfully supplied more than 700 million cubic meters of water, benefiting over 12 million people.
The “water highway,” inaugurated in August 2024, utilizes a 67-kilometer underground canal to transfer water from a diversion dam built in Kenitra. The project has been hailed as a success in preventing the near crisis of water depletion faced by Rabat in late 2023.
Climate Change Poses Threat to Future Water Supply
Despite its current success, experts are concerned about the future viability of the project, given Morocco’s ongoing water stress and the impact of climate change. The country has already experienced six consecutive years of drought, causing a significant decline in annual water supply—from 18 billion cubic meters in the 1980s to just five billion today.
Water Minister Nizar Baraka emphasized that climate change is expected to reduce rainfall in northern regions, potentially cutting off the surplus water that the “water highway” relies on. Researchers, including Nabil El Mocayd, warn that northern water basins will be hit hardest by climate change over the next 60 years, further limiting water availability.
Sustainability Concerns and the Need for Alternatives
As water scarcity worsens, experts urge Morocco to consider alternative solutions. Abderrahim Handouf, a researcher, emphasized the importance of adopting water-efficient irrigation techniques for the agriculture sector, which employs nearly a third of the workforce. While the “water highway” is seen as an effective short-term solution, experts recommend investing in desalination plants to secure long-term water sources for major cities.
Key Takeaways
- Morocco’s $728 million “water highway” redirects water from northern rivers to supply Rabat and Casablanca.
- The project has provided over 700 million cubic meters of water, helping to stave off a water crisis in the country’s most populous regions.
- Experts are concerned about the sustainability of the project due to the ongoing impact of climate change and decreasing rainfall.
- Morocco must consider long-term solutions, including better irrigation techniques and desalination, to address future water shortages.
As climate change continues to challenge Morocco’s water resources, the future of the “water highway” remains uncertain, prompting calls for more sustainable and diversified water management strategies.
- Source: ARAB NEWS
