Morocco’s interior ministry ordered a ban of using drinking water to irrigate public parks, swimming pools, and cleaning streets due to a shortage of rainfall. Rainfall was 67% lower so far this year, compared to an average year, auguring ill for a rain dependent farming sector. The desalination plants launched by OCP in El Jadida and Safi are also planned to start pumping fresh water in 2024, he said, as the government plans a larger plant in Casablanca to be ready by 2027. Drought means lower economic growth as the farming sector represents 14% of Morocco’s GDP. It would also trigger higher fresh produce prices and higher unemployment in rural areas.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 29, 2023 14:34 UTC