EBRD invests over €400 million in Morocco’s water sector, says Local director

EBRD’s Head for Morocco Antoine Sallé de Chou announced on Thursday at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) in Salé that the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has facilitated investments exceeding €400 million in Morocco’s water sector.

These investments primarily address issues pertaining to water supply and demand management, Sallé de Chou told MAP, on the sidelines of the water masterclasses focusing on innovative financing models and mechanisms.

Sallé de Chou highlighted that the Guelmim-Oued Noun region was the first beneficiary of EBRD financing in Morocco, specifically targeting wastewater purification and reuse.

In December 2023, the EBRD provided €12 million (MAD130 million) loan to the Guelmim-Oued Noun region to enhance drinking water supply in rural areas and upgrade four existing wastewater treatment plants.

Sue Barret, Deputy Head in EBRD’s Sustainable Infrastructure Group, commended Morocco’s “significant” seawater desalination program. She also emphasized various other initiatives and strategies focusing on wastewater treatment to support green space irrigation.

Barret applauded the efforts of Moroccan stakeholders in water infrastructure and investment in water conservation programs. She added that the EBRD collaborates closely with Moroccan entities to promote behavior change among citizens and encourage industrial firms to adopt efficient irrigation solutions that minimize water consumption.

The water master classes, organized by the Consensus Public Relations firm (CPR), feature a series of conferences addressing topics such as “The role of water in the 2030 Agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” “Key transformation mechanisms for water efficiency,” “Water as a focal point of socially responsible investment,” and “Opportunities and challenges in tailored financial training for the water sector.”