Wastewater: Over 100 million cubic meters by 2027

According to Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit, the reuse of treated wastewater is one of the main thrusts of the National Shared Liquid Sanitation Plan (PNAM). The aim is to mobilize 100 million cubic meters by 2027 and 537 million cubic meters of treated wastewater by 2050.
The National Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation Program for the 2020-2027  period includes an action plan for the reuse of treated wastewater, particularly for watering golf courses, green spaces, and industrial units. The aim of this scheme is to alleviate the pressure on conventional resources, in the context of the water stress experienced by our country, said the Minister. In fact, the total cost of this component of the program amounts to 3 billion dirhams (USD 300 million). This has enabled projects to be carried out on 31 golf courses and public green spaces in 16 cities. In addition, there are 3 projects for industrial use. The Minister points out that these projects have involved in particular the cities of Rabat, Salé, Marrakech, Bouskoura, Tangiers, Tétouan, Mdiq, Fnideq, Agadir, Khouribga, Youssoufia, and Benguerir. Similarly, the volume of reprocessed wastewater used over the past year reached almost 37 million cubic meters.
Other projects are planned and underway as part of the National Integrated Liquid Sanitation Program. They number 24 projects, at a total cost of 2 billion dirhams (USD 200 million). These projects will irrigate 18 golf courses and green spaces in 23 communes. In addition, a single project concerns the reuse of treated wastewater in industry. In addition, there are 7 projects financed by the Ministry of the Interior’s Directorate General for Local Authorities (DGCT), along with other partners, with a budget of 227 million Dirhams (USD 22.7 million) to irrigate golf courses and green spaces in 7 cities.
In addition, 5 projects will be carried out to reuse wastewater for industrial purposes, in partnership with the Cherifian Phosphate Office (OCP) and a mining company, involving Béni Mellal, Fkih Ben Salah, Safi, Agadir, and Marrakech. The financial cost is estimated at 2.4 billion dirhams (USD 240 million).
According to a document from the Ministry of Equipment and Water, the country currently has 41 projects for the reuse of treated wastewater. This reuse is seen as a solution for better adapting to climate change. 

Mohamed CHAOUI