In Marrakech, the gentle sound of trickling fountains does not hide the major daily challenges. With the city’s enchanting colors comes a problematic access to drinking water worthy of an episode of a dramatic series. While the ochre city attracts crowds every year, nearly 17% of its inhabitants still struggle to access the precious resource. The prohibitive cost of connecting to the water network seems to slip out of reach, leaving these citizens to turn to wells, street vendors, or even public fountains. How does the city plan to tackle this water crisis and what solutions are emerging on the horizon?
The face of water access in Marrakech
The challenges of drinking water supply in Marrakech are diverse and complex. First, it is vital to understand that the city’s water network is managed by RADEEMA (Autonomous Water and Electricity Distribution Authority of Marrakech), which is publicly managed, in contrast to other major Moroccan cities managed by private operators. This management model allows for more direct oversight, but faces significant challenges.
Indeed, of nearly one million inhabitants spread across the urban province, 70,932 people still depend on public fountains for their daily needs. This distribution system has its advantages and disadvantages. While the fountains offer an immediate solution, they do not always meet water quality standards. Historical fountains, for example, are often neglected, while the gradual closure of some of them raises concerns about their replacement with more accessible and sustainable alternatives.
Figures that speak
To fuel the discussion around water access in Marrakech, here are some revealing figures:
- 🚰 17% of the residents do not have a connection to the municipal water.
- 💧 Only 74% of the water resources from the network are actually used.
- 🗺️ About 124 public fountains are available, but their closure is announced.
These statistics clearly illustrate the scale of the challenge at hand. When analyzing situations in other Moroccan cities, such as Fez with 8% or Agadir with 38% of the population unserved, one realizes that the problem is much more than just a local issue.
The socio-economic context
The complexity of water access in Marrakech is also fueled by a difficult socio-economic environment. With neighborhoods that have developed without being connected to the network, millions of dirhams in investments are necessary to make the connections. Vulnerable populations find themselves trapped in a vicious circle where the connection cost, estimated at several thousand dirhams, becomes prohibitive.
This economic challenge must, however, be confronted with the growing demand due to the city’s rapid urbanization. Marrakech is expanding and modernizing, but the existing infrastructure struggles to keep pace, creating a gap between different socio-economic classes. Marrakech Aqua Solutions, for instance, is an initiative aimed at improving the water supply system by offering innovative and sustainable solutions.
| Population | % without access to drinking water |
|---|---|
| Marrakech | 17% |
| Fez | 8% |
| Agadir | 38% |
It is therefore crucial to take action to transform this situation, whether through a call for collaboration between local authorities and citizens, or through innovation in water resource management. The Marrakech Water Initiative program could provide an opportune framework to promote equitable access to the resource, a process that could benefit from international community support.
Alternative sources of supply
In the face of the difficulties many populations encounter to access drinking water, several alternative solutions are emerging. Among these is the possibility of using unconventional water sources, such as wells and tank trucks. For neighborhoods not served by the current water network, these means become crucial.
Tank trucks: a lifeline
In the remote neighborhoods of Marrakech, tank trucks take over to provide potable water. Although this solution is temporary, it illustrates the residents’ adaptability. The municipal services, in response to urgent needs, have implemented a regular supply service, ensuring basic coverage of water needs. However, dependence on these trucks raises questions about long-term effectiveness and sustainability.
The benefits of this approach include:
- 🚛 Flexibility in water delivery, tailored to users’ needs.
- 💦 Immediate access to water, even in the absence of a network.
- 📝 Rapid management addressing temporary supply issues.
Rehabilitating for new supplies
For a more sustainable solution, optimizing water supply systems could be considered. For example, one option would be to rehabilitate the old khettara systems used to drain water from aquifers. Adapting these ancient technologies to the current context could reduce pressure on existing water resources. This revaluation of traditional water heritage could also support regional biodiversity.
| Type of solution | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| Tank trucks | Flexible and immediate | Dependence and high cost |
| Khettaras | Sustainable water recovery | Rehabilitation costs |
Legislation and governance challenges
In the context of this water access issue, Moroccan legislation regarding water resource management plays a pivotal role. The 1995 Water Law was a turning point in this sector, establishing management principles and providing for the creation of basin agencies. These agencies manage water at the regional level, fostering a decentralized approach that could significantly improve access to water for disadvantaged populations.
The implementation challenge
The implementation of these laws often faces practical challenges. The limited budgets of municipalities and the lack of strict oversight pose significant obstacles. Indeed, aging infrastructure does not always allow for effective interventions.
- 💼 Tight budgets hinder the maintenance of existing infrastructure.
- 🔍 Lack of regulation of resources, allowing for abuses and leaks in the network.
- 👥 Public-private partnerships are still scarce to encourage investments.
On the other hand, these challenges also present opportunities for improvement. Implementing awareness programs for water conservation or supporting initiatives like Aqua Marrakech could strengthen community involvement. Supporting education and awareness around integrated water management is essential to ensure resource sustainability.
| Challenges | Possible solutions |
|---|---|
| Insufficient budgets | Support for community initiatives |
| Poorly managed resources | Strengthening regulations |
Towards a sustainable future: What long-term solutions?
When envisioning a sustainable future for Marrakech, several lines of work can be prioritized. First, rehabilitating the existing infrastructure is imperative. This includes modernizing the supply networks, where, for instance, the concept of CleanWater Marrakech could be integrated to provide regular and safe access.
Proposals for an alternative future
The initiatives pursued can be numerous and varied:
- 🌱 Investing in modern infrastructure to optimize the water network.
- 🤝 Mobilizing local communities for equitable management.
- 💬 Forming partnerships public-private to attract investments.
To successfully overcome the challenges related to water supply, citizen and local authority involvement is essential. By emphasizing sustainability and inclusivity, Marrakech can become a model for other Moroccan cities and beyond.
| Initiatives | Expected impact |
|---|---|
| Modernization of networks | Improvement of access to drinking water |
| Formation of partnerships | Attraction of new investments |
FAQ about drinking water in Marrakech
Why do some areas of Marrakech not have access to drinking water?
Many neighborhoods lack access to the water network due to high connection costs and the city’s expansion not being accompanied by adequate infrastructure.
How do citizens obtain water?
Citzens depend on tank trucks, wells, public fountains, and other sources like street vendors to obtain water.
What long-term solutions are being considered?
Solutions like modernizing networks, optimizing the use of khettaras, and community support are being considered to improve access to drinking water.
What is the Marrakech Water Initiative?
It is a program aimed at promoting equitable access to water in Marrakech, bringing together various stakeholders around the idea of sustainability and community management.
Will public fountains disappear?
Although some may be closed, it is crucial that the establishment of alternative solutions takes into account the need for populations to access free water sources.
