Baraka recalled the vital role that water plays in all economic and social sectors, notably in arid and semi-arid regions, as well as the achievements in this field through the visionary policy of His Majesty Hassan II, continued and developed by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, said Friday a statement by the Ministry.

These efforts have led to the realization of important water infrastructure that met the water needs of all sectors, in good conditions, he noted.

The Minister also referred to the challenges facing water resources, including their irregularity in space and time.

Noting the delay in the implementation of projects of the National Water Strategy of 2009 and the decrease in water supplies of about 59% for the year 2020-2021, the government has, thus, taken urgent measures concerning the basins of Moulouya, Oum Er Rbia and Tensift, which are experiencing a major water shortage, he said.

It is in this context that partnership agreements were signed on these basins for a total cost of 2.042 billion dirhams, he added.

Baraka stressed the acceleration of the pace of construction of large and small dams as well as lakes and reservoirs, according to a participatory approach between the sectors concerned to ensure the sustainability and development of these projects.