Because of less rainfall and higher temperatures, the Sahel region is facing a severe water crisis. The government is concentrating its efforts on improving water connections and implementing seawater desalination programs.
Sahel water crisis : Introduction
In a recent press conference, Nizar Baraka, Morocco’s Minister of Energy, Mines, and Environment, brought attention to the severe water crisis gripping the Sahel region. A staggering 67% reduction in rainfall, coupled with a 1.30 degrees Celsius surge in temperature over the last quarter, has exacerbated the existing challenges in the region. These adverse climatic conditions have resulted in heightened evaporation rates and a significant decline in water inflow into dams.
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The grim reality of depleting water reserves
The repercussions of these climatic challenges are vividly reflected in the dwindling water reserves of the region’s dams. Over the past three months, the water reserves have plummeted to a mere 519 million cubic meters. This represents a two-thirds reduction from the previous year and a startling 50% below the five-year average. The filling rate of dams has reached a concerning low of 23.5%, equivalent to just 3.7 billion cubic meters.
Regions such as Loukkos, Moulouya, Sebou, Bouregreg, Oum Er Rbia, Al Massira, Tansift, Souss Massa, Draa Oued Noun, and Guir-Ziz-Rhéris, which were once well-supplied, have witnessed a depletion of water resources ranging from 50 to 90%. Notably, the Al Massira dam is currently critical, holding less than 1% of its total capacity.
Government measures and citizen responsibility
In response to this alarming crisis, the government has initiated several measures. There is a focus on enhancing water connections between Sebou and Bouregreg to serve major urban centers such as Casablanca and Rabat. Plans for seawater desalination programs are also underway in El Jadida and Safi. However, Minister Baraka emphasized that overcoming this shortage requires collective responsibility. He called for responsible consumption behavior and the elimination of water waste. While expressing hope for abundant rainfall in the coming months, he stressed the necessity of collective precaution and rationalized consumption.
Future initiatives and Acciona’s stock price
As part of its comprehensive response, the government is implementing measures such as the ‘water highway’ and the construction or expansion of desalination plants. Notably, Spanish firm Acciona has secured a significant contract to build Africa’s largest desalination plant, valued at 800 million euros. The plant is projected to desalinate 548,000 cubic meters of water daily, with the capacity to scale up to 822,000 cubic meters, meeting the water needs of nearly 6.7 million people. In collaboration with Green of Africa and Afriquia Gaz, Acciona will commence construction in 2024. This landmark project has already had a positive impact on Acciona’s stock price, witnessing a nearly 10% increase.
The future Casablanca desalination plant is considered a strategic milestone for Morocco in securing water resources. Minister Baraka also announced that the cost of the Casablanca plant would be 4.50dh/m3, significantly lower than the previously estimated production cost of 15dh/m3 by the ONEE’s DG in November 2022, marking an unprecedented turn in the country’s desalination sector. The project not only addresses the immediate water crisis but also demonstrates a commitment to sustainable solutions with long-term benefits for the region.
Conclusion
As the Sahel region grapples with a severe water crisis, the government’s measures and future initiatives, particularly the desalination projects, present a glimmer of hope. However, the call for responsible water consumption and collective action remains crucial to ensuring the sustainable management of water resources in the face of challenging climatic conditions. The positive impact on Acciona’s stock price not only underscores the significance of such initiatives but also highlights the potential for economic growth and environmental sustainability through innovative solutions to water scarcity.
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