Funds for drinking water supply in rural areas increased by 250% in three years
Morocco, Economics, 5/31/2001

The budget earmarked to supply drinking water to rural areas increased by 250% in three years, from 100 million DH ($ 9 mln) to 250 Millions ($22,7 mln), said equipment minister, Bouamour Taghouane.

The official told the question-time session at the house of representatives, the government has developed a strategy of water resources efficient management to make for drought which has become a structural problem in Morocco and has, therefore, succeeded in alleviating drought effect despite a shortage in water and the weakness of ground water sheets.

Morocco also had recourse to foreign funds to carry out a water prospecting scheme that helped prospect an annual 100,000 meters and build three dams a year. As a result, the number of people getting water rose from 13 million to 16 million and the rate stands at 85% in cities and 43% in the countryside.

Of the program designed by the department by 2004, Taghouane said 500 million DH will be earmarked to drill water points and build nine big dams and 8 small ones. Water supply in rural areas will go from 43% to 62% with a contribution from the Drinking Water Board (ONEP) standing at 11 billion DH (one billion dollar).

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