Residents in the neighborhoods of Bir Rami 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 in Kenitra were startled last night by a complete water outage without prior warning, disrupting daily life and prompting widespread dissatisfaction. Many found themselves forced to search for alternatives to secure their essential needs due to a lack of on-site communication from the managing company.
The regional management of the Rabat-Salé-Kenitra multi-service company announced on its official page that they were carrying out work to connect a new 400mm pipe, attributing the lengthy outage to “circumstances beyond their control within the site.” However, this explanation did not convince many, especially since the affected neighborhoods are relatively new and should have had their networks in good condition for years.
Numerous questions arose among the residents: How can pipes that were installed less than a decade ago suffer leaks necessitating a complete replacement? If “recurrent leaks” are the reason for the intervention, what explains the continued neglect of much older neighborhoods that have been dealing with inadequate networks for decades?
The absence of prior notification intensified the frustration, as the service agreement stipulates the necessity of informing customers before any scheduled stoppage, allowing them to take precautions. In emergency situations, mobile tanks should be provided to alleviate the burden on households, especially those with children or patients.
The company confirmed in its announcement that it had reinforced its technical teams to accelerate the pace of work and that replacing the old pipe would improve supply quality. However, this commitment did little to assuage doubts about the lack of proper planning and vigilance in managing a project that directly affects thousands of citizens’ lives.
While awaiting the return of water to their taps, the residents of Bir Rami hope to receive comprehensive explanations regarding the network’s situation and the criteria for intervention, along with real assurances that sudden outages affecting one of life’s most basic necessities will not occur again.
