Progress in Rural Water Access Sparks Parliamentary Debate
Minister Nizar Baraka has announced a significant milestone in rural water access, revealing that over 51% of rural households are now connected to potable water. However, this progress has elicited criticism from parliamentarians who argue that advancements in many remote areas are still too slow, with thousands of families remaining reliant on traditional water sources like wells and cisterns.
Recent Developments in Water Access
During a session of oral questions in the House of Representatives on Monday, Baraka highlighted a marked increase in water access from just 22% in 2004 to the current figure of over 51%, equating to approximately 1.4 million homes receiving water through modern systems. He noted that the management of water services has shifted to regional multi-service companies as part of an initiative to enhance cooperation between urban and rural areas. This transition aims not only to expand coverage but also to improve sanitation services, which currently serve only about 10% of rural communities.
In response to parliamentary concerns regarding ongoing issues in water delivery, Baraka explained that these newly established companies are in a transitional phase and will soon be better equipped to fulfill their responsibilities. He assured that the Ministry’s strategy encompasses not just connection initiatives but also the sustainable management of water resources to guarantee a reliable supply.
Ambitious Plans for Future Coverage
The minister unveiled an extensive program scheduled to extend until 2030, targeting approximately 11,050 rural villages, including areas in the Taounate region. This initiative is supplemented by an additional plan affecting 7,890 villages, with an overall budget nearing 10 billion dirhams, developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and regional multi-service firms.
Despite these plans, several lawmakers raised concerns over ongoing disparities in water distribution and coverage. Deputy Aziz Al-Fidi emphasized the need for national water authorities and regional companies to act decisively to prevent rural communities from continuing to rely on traditional water sources. He pointed to management issues in water facilities in the Essaouira region and inadequate water supply in various municipalities.
Challenges Persist
Deputy Nour Eddine Qachbil criticized the notion that reported progress reflects the true state of rural water access, citing persistent shortages even in areas blessed with significant water resources. He questioned whether equitable access to water has truly been achieved across regions.
Similarly, Deputy Ikram Hanawi noted a stark contrast between the geographic availability of water and the lack of access for local populations, highlighting that 12 communities in Taounate remain disconnected from modern water systems. Meanwhile, Deputy Mohamed Simou pointed out distribution irregularities in Larache, despite recent rainfall, with about 4,000 completed requests awaiting service connection. He called for immediate intervention to address distribution issues and improve field communication with the responsible company.
As debates continue, the urgency of ensuring reliable water access for rural populations grows, underscoring the complexities and challenges surrounding water management in Morocco.
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Morocco’s rural water access reaches 51%, yet lawmakers criticize slow progress and persistent disparities amid calls for urgent action.
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Morocco celebrates improved rural water access, but lawmakers warn of glaring inequalities that still threaten thousands of families.
