King Mohammed VI urged Parliamentarians during an opening speech of the Fall session of Parliament to refrain from the political instrumentalization of water scarcity, as drought becomes an inevitable reality in the Kingdom.
The monarch underscored the structural water stress experienced in Morocco, urging that it should not be a vehicle for political bidding.”
“The current water resource situation challenges us all: government, institutions and citizens. It requires us to be frank and responsible in dealing with the issue and in addressing whatever inadequacies there may be.Morocco is now in a situation of chronic water stress, and not all problems can be solved by simply building the water facilities planned, notwithstanding their great importance and of the need for them,” he said.
He stressed for water management to be handled with the seriousness it requires, recalling that Morocco is going through a period of acute drought, that it has been known for 3 decades.
He readdressed the preemptive measures taken by Morocco since last February, under the plan to combat the effects of drought with the aim of making drinking water available, providing assistance to farmers, and safeguarding livestock.
“Realizing the structural nature of this phenomenon in our country, I have always devoted my full attention to all aspects relating to water. Thus, several working sessions have been devoted to this issue, leading to the formulation of the 2020-2027 National Priority Program for Water.”
“Since my accession to the throne, I have keenly sought to continue the policy of building dams. More than 50 large and medium-sized dams have been built, and 20 more are under construction. Regardless of the rainfall we may receive in the years ahead, I am keen to make sure we speed up the completion of the projects planned under this program, in all regions and corners of the Kingdom.”
“I am referring, in particular, to the completion of the construction of planned dams, the development of hydraulic interconnections and the construction of seawater desalination plants, as well as the implementation of a stronger water efficiency policy, especially in the area of irrigation.”
Boosting Investments
In order to boost investments in the country, the King said he had ordered the government, in cooperation with the private and banking sector to lay down a national investment contract that would mobilize 550 billion dirhams of investments and create 500,000 jobs, between 2022 and 2026.
He called on everyone to show a sense of responsibility to promote investment as a crucial sector for the country’s progress.
The letter stressed the need to strengthen the rules of fair competition and activate arbitration and mediation mechanisms to resolve investment-related disputes.
“Since investment concerns all institutions as well as the private sector, I wish to insist on the need for everyone to be mobilized and commit to a keen sense of responsibility in order to promote this sector, which is of critical importance for our country’s development.”
“Moroccan businesses and their national, regional and sectoral organizations are called upon to serve as a lever for the promotion of investment and entrepreneurship.Similarly, the national banking and financial sector is expected to support and finance the new generation of investors and businesspeople, especially youths and small and medium enterprises.”
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