The Moroccan King Mohammed VI, on Tuesday, instructed the executive authorities in the country to expedite the implementation of dam and desalination projects to confront the drought crisis that has impacted economic growth rates in the country. In a speech delivered on the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary of his accession to the throne, the King stated that "the water issue in the country is becoming more severe due to drought, the effects of climate change, the natural increase in demand, as well as delays in completing some planned projects within the framework of water policy."
The Moroccan monarch regarded the drought crisis as one of the most significant challenges facing Morocco, calling for "more effort, vigilance, creativity in solutions, and governance in management" to address these challenges. He pointed out that "six consecutive years of drought have profoundly affected water reserves and groundwater, making the water situation more fragile and complex."
Furthermore, he stated, "To confront this situation, which many areas, particularly in rural areas, are suffering from, we have issued our directives to the relevant authorities to take all urgent and innovative measures to avoid water shortages." The King emphasized the necessity of optimal implementation of all components of the National Program for Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation 2020-2027, which has contributed to alleviating the severity of the water situation.
