Morocco's water company projects to invest $ 2 billion by 2007

The Moroccan state-owned drinking water company (ONEP) said it is projecting to invest 20 billion DH (US$ 2.1 billion) in its 2003-2007 work plan in order to develop the supply of water resources nationwide.

ONEP general manager, Ali Fassi Fihri, told a meeting of the company's administrative board held in the presence of minister of territory development, water and environment, Mohamed El Yazghi, 6.7 billion DH (US$ 705 million) will be allocated to supply drinking water to some 5.6 million people in rural areas while another 9.4 billion DH (US$ 989 million) will go to drinking water supply in cities.

A budget of 3.9 billion DH (US$ 410.5 million) will be earmarked to liquid sanitation in 81 cities.

The ONEP general manager noted that in 2003, various projects carried out by the company in rural areas, for a total cost of 485 million DH (US$ 51 million) benefited nearly one million inhabitants. In the same year, it is projected to supply drinking water to 46 new centers, which is a progression of 48% compared to 2002.

The government committed to supply drinking water to 90% of rural populations by 2007.