Morocco's new water model: dams, desalination, and interconnections address water stress
via Le Matin6 min read
Nizar Baraka, during the second MAP Town Hall in Rabat, outlined Morocco's long-term water policy, emphasizing water security as a national priority. He stated that ensuring water guarantees Morocco's ability to choose its own destiny, aligning with the Royal Vision for water. This vision aims to provide sustainable water access to all citizens, reduce territorial disparities, and enhance the Kingdom's resilience to climate change. The national water policy is structured around five pillars: establishing water sovereignty as a national pillar, strengthening the country's water resilience through a national industrial ecosystem for desalination and water professions, ensuring territorial equity via interconnections between hydraulic basins and "water highways," promoting resource sustainability through responsible management and wastewater reuse, and positioning water as an instrument of diplomacy and cooperation, particularly in Africa. Baraka highlighted the historical role of dams, with 156 large dams currently in operation and 14 more under construction. He noted that eight large dams were completed between 2021 and 2026, increasing the hydraulic heritage by over 62% since 1999. The country now has an average visibility of at least two years for water security. Desalination is another major pillar, with 17 operational stations and an annual capacity of 410 million cubic meters, projected to reach 1.7 billion cubic meters by 2030, covering 60% of the Kingdom's potable water
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Le Matin.
BreakingSpain has secured its second World Cup title, 16 years after its first victory in 2010. The Spanish team defeated Argentina in the 2026 final, with Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the second half of extra time, assisted by Lamine Yamal. This win follows Spain's 2024 European Championship title, marking its return to prominence in international football. Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, lost its world crown, four years after winning it in Qatar in 2022. This marks Argentina's fourth World Cup final loss, having previously been defeated in 1930, 1990, and 2014, while still holding three world titles from 1978, 1986, and 2022. Spain's journey to the final included a draw against Cape Verde, followed by victories over Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in the group stage. In the knockout rounds, Spain eliminated Austria, Portugal, Belgium, and France before facing Argentina in the final.
Must ReadThousands of agents from federal and local agencies have been mobilized to secure the 2026 World Cup final in New York, an event considered one of the most significant sporting gatherings ever held in the United States. The security detail includes the New York Police Department NYPD, New Jersey Police, the Secret Service, the FBI, and homeland security services. Enhanced security perimeters have been established around the stadium and main access routes, featuring systematic spectator checks, traffic restrictions, and increased surveillance of public transport. Additional measures are in place due to the presence of President Trump, who is scheduled to present the trophy to the winner. These measures include reinforced aerial surveillance, deployment of specialized counter-terrorism units, and command centers for real-time operation coordination. Authorities have stated there is no credible specific threat to the final but emphasize the need for high vigilance given the current international context. Over 80,000 spectators are expected at the New York New Jersey Stadium, with approximately 1.5 billion viewers worldwide, making it one of the most monitored events of the year. FIFA has planned an 11-minute halftime show, curated by Chris Martin of Coldplay, featuring Shakira, Justin Bieber, Madonna, and BTS, benefiting Global Citizen's educational fund. The World Cup Organizing Committee has also scheduled over 100 fan gatherings in New York and New Jersey, with the Great Lawn
Istanbul Governor Davut G眉l highlighted the city's appeal to Moroccan tourists and investors, noting that the number of Moroccan visitors in the first quarter of this year equaled the total for the entire previous year. G眉l attributed Istanbul's attractiveness to its unique geographical location between Asia and Europe, its rich history, and efforts under the President's leadership to enhance security, stability, and logistical infrastructure. He also mentioned simplified administrative procedures for investors. Istanbul hosts approximately 5,500 Moroccan nationals, including a significant number of students, who are seen as future ambassadors for friendship between Turkey and Morocco. The Governor emphasized the historical ties and shared values that facilitate their integration into Turkish society. To further enhance the experience for Moroccan tourists, Istanbul is improving transportation, promoting historical sites in multiple languages, and developing culinary and health services, all within a secure environment. G眉l also discussed Istanbul's long-standing tradition of harmonious coexistence among diverse cultures and religions, attributing it to state tradition guaranteeing freedom of worship, respect for neighborhood relations, and the city's identity as a crossroads between East and West. He expressed a desire to strengthen cooperation between Istanbul and Moroccan cities, citing the twinning of Istanbul and Rabat as an example, and believes Moroccan students in Ist