At the break of dawn, the serene white city of Tangiers stirs to life. Within the labyrinthine alleys of the historic medina, schoolchildren mingle with the bustling crowd of office-goers and early-morning tourists.
Perched upon the edge of the Strait of Gibraltar in the northern reaches of Morocco, Tangiers serves as a vibrant crossroads between continents. Its enduring charm beckons millions of visitors annually, drawn to wander its ancient, cobbled streets.
Nestled within the medina’s heart, the esteemed guest house “Riad Saba” extends a warm welcome to travelers. Atop its terrace, guests savor a delectable breakfast crafted by the skilled hands of Ibrahim Jallouli, all while gazing out upon the bustling port below.
Hailing from Oujda, this budding chef ventured to Tangiers in pursuit of the myriad opportunities the city presented.“I came here because it’s a city full of opportunities, which attracts tourists from all over the world with its cultural and gastronomic heritage,” he comments.
For this emerging professional, the city ensures access to vital amenities, notably the ready availability of water.“Water is essential in my line of business. I use it every day, either for cooking, drinking or washing ingredients. I couldn’t manage without it. But I’m conscious that having continuous, daily access to water is a real challenge in Morocco.”
Concerns about the impact of climate change on vital resources like water resonate deeply with Ibrahim and many others across the Kingdom. Despite the region’s typically mild Mediterranean climate, characterized by oceanic influence that maintains its temperate nature, disturbances have been observed over recent decades. Rising temperatures and dwindling rainfall patterns are increasingly affecting water availability for Tangiers’ millions of residents.
Driven by rapid economic growth and a burgeoning population, the demand for water has surged, exerting immense pressure on those responsible for managing this precious resource. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, the Moroccan government launched the National Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation Programme (PNAEPI) 2020-2027 several years ago.
Under the stewardship of the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), the government has embarked on a series of infrastructure initiatives aimed at securing, enhancing, and optimizing water resources, with crucial backing from the African Development Bank. Tangiers, specifically, saw the completion of a significant project in 2023: the establishment of a raw water supply from the Ibn Battouta dam.
Originally constructed in the late 1970s, the reservoir had experienced a gradual decline in water levels over the years. With diminishing raw water supplies, it became imperative to optimize resource utilization. A new 11-kilometer water pipeline was constructed to replace the previous open-air conveyance via the Mharhar riverbed, mitigating losses primarily attributed to evaporation.
The overarching message is clear: the conservation of water in Morocco is paramount given present and future climatic uncertainties. This ethos is shared by the African Development Bank, which has bolstered Morocco’s efforts by providing EUR 10 million in funding for the initiative. This contribution adds to the substantial EUR 1.2 billion already invested by the bank in Morocco’s water sector, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development in Africa.
These investments are indispensable for enhancing the livelihoods of the communities they serve and fostering the region’s sustained socioeconomic advancement.As Ibrahim, our young chef, recalls, “For me, water is life. If there were no water, there would be no life.”
This project, along with numerous others, reflects Morocco’s forward-thinking approach to the water sector: one characterized by advancement and inclusive prosperity.
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