Morocco to rely on desalination for 50% of its fresh water needs by 2030

Morocco will produce 50% of its fresh water needs from desalination by 2030, said water minister Nizar Bakara, as the country faces one of the harshest droughts in its recent history.

Five years of drought depleted reservoirs now only 23% full, while many farming areas face bleak prospects due to halt of irrigation.

By 2030, Morocco will be able to produce 1.4 billion cubic meters of fresh water from desalination, said Baraka.

Morocco’s phosphates and fertilizers giant OCP will ensure the desalination of 500 million cubic meters, while 500 million cubic meters will be used for irrigation and the rest to supply drinking water, he said.

Available water in Morocco was 67% less than an average year due to a lack of rainfall and over use of underground water, according to water minister.

Water feeding the Al Wahda dam, Morocco’s largest, was 90% less compared to an average year, he said.

The interior ministry ordered a ban on using water to clean streets or irrigate parks.

Drought means lower economic growth as the farming sector represents 14% of Morocco’s GDP. It would also trigger higher fresh produce prices and higher unemployment in rural areas.

Proactive measures, such as the waterway channeling water to Rabat and Casablanca, have spared the two cities water-cuts, he said.