The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) outlined on Thursday a €400 million investment plan for Morocco’s water sector, an industry that has been facing notable challenges due to drought and water crisis.

EBRD Director for Morocco, Antoine Salle de Chou, announced the news while speaking at Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), stressing that these investments focus on water supply and demand management.

Recalling the EBRD projects at the Guelmim Oued Noun region, he said that the area was the first to benefit from the bank’s financing.

This financing is for wastewater treatment and reuse, he said, noting that in December last year the bank granted €12 million to the Guelmim-Oued Noun region to contribute to improving drinking water supply in rural areas and modernizing four existing wastewater treatment plants.

Sue Barret, Director of Sustainable Infrastructure at the EBRD, commended Morocco’s “significant” sweater desalination programs.

She also lauded the efforts made by Moroccan stakeholders in hydraulic infrastructure and investment in water conservation programs, reiterating the bank’s commitment to continue to support the country’s efforts.

The remarks come as Morocco faces severe challenges due to consecutive dry seasons that have affected the country’s agriculture.

Several reports have highlighted the serious situation, including the European Union's Joint Research Council (JRC), which recently warned that Morocco and the wider Mediterranean region face a deepening drought crisis.

Morocco has pledged to tackle the situation through several measures, including prohibiting the use of potable water for car washing, and ceasing operation for car washing services on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

Public hammams must close on the same days as part of these measures seeking to rationalize water use in the city.

Cleaning roads and public spaces with water is also strictly prohibited.

Restrictions against the expansion of water-intensive crops like citrus fruits, avocados, and watermelons are also included. 

Morocco is now favoring more drought-resistant products, including pistachios, carob trees, almonds, argan trees, olives, and date palms, the government has pledged recently.