It is a true paradox. In this semiarid to arid country that is Morocco, which faced a real catastrophe in 2023, a large part of the population did not grasp the critical importance of the water resource. “Even though we only had two to three months of resources left and we were truly worried here, at the Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah dam (SMBA), I realized that even members of my family were not aware of the value of a drop of water from the tap,” said Abderrahim El Gazzar, head of the sustainable water resources management division of the Bouregreg and Chaouia Hydraulic Basin Agency.
In fact, raising awareness is one of the key areas of the National Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation Program (PNAEPI) 2020-2027, and King Mohammed VI himself, in a speech given in the summer of 2024 during the Throne Day, called on Moroccans to “adopt responsible behaviors in favor of rationalizing the use of this vital material.”
All channels used to promote good practices
“The Ministry of Equipment and Water launched major audiovisual awareness campaigns, especially in 2022 and 2024, with the goal of strengthening citizens’ collective consciousness regarding the water situation, encouraging them to rationalize their water consumption, and to adopt responsible behaviors towards this vital resource,” explained the director general of hydraulics, Salahddine Dahbi. Television and radio spots, social networks, influencers, “water classes” for elementary students, an informative platform (maadialna.ma), and even Friday sermons: all channels have been used to promote good practices.
Playing with the price of water? Not considered at this stage. “We have a tiered system, with a social pricing that varies according to consumption. The first level is very symbolic,” said Salahddine Dahbi, recalling that in the recent 2011 version of the Moroccan Constitution, it provides for “the mobilization of all means available to facilitate equal access to water and a healthy environment.”
However, in the midst of the crisis, coercive measures have been taken: watering bans, of course, as well as cleaning cars, filling pools, closure of hammams on certain days, etc. These are actions that, in reality, will only have a limited effect. Individuals represent only about 13% of the country’s total consumption, so reducing their consumption will only have a very marginal effect. “It is essential, however, for raising awareness and individual responsibility,” affirms Salahddine Dahbi.
Find all the articles in our special feature: “Water Stress – How Morocco Secures Its Water Supply”
