By Salifu Faridat
In a significant development, the Moroccan government has earmarked a substantial sum of 617 million Moroccan dirhams, equivalent to approximately €57 million, to facilitate the establishment of liquid wastewater treatment facilities in the Larache Division.
This substantial investment is an integral part of the nationwide liquid sanitation and wastewater treatment program (PNA).
Located within the Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceïma region, the Larache Division, positioned approximately 86 kilometers south of Tangier, is poised to undergo a transformative series of infrastructure projects aimed at bolstering liquid sanitation efforts. This endeavor is a collaborative effort, with critical support from the Moroccan government, particularly the Ministry of Public Works and Water, in conjunction with the Ministry of the Interior. The official financing agreement for this ambitious undertaking was recently formalized through collaboration with the municipality of Larache and the autonomous water and electricity distribution agency of the Larache prefecture (Radeel).
Under the purview of these two governmental departments, the sewerage project is on the brink of commencement. It encompasses the comprehensive rehabilitation and extensive expansion of the liquid sewerage network within the town of Larache. The overarching objective of this initiative is to proactively mitigate the pollution of vital aquatic ecosystems and, simultaneously, ensure the protection of the well-being of the communities whose livelihoods are intricately linked to these vital environments.
A pivotal component of the liquid wastewater treatment project entails the construction of dedicated channels designed to collect and efficiently transport wastewater to two forthcoming treatment facilities. These advanced treatment plants will be strategically located within the councils of Laouamra and La Côte, both situated within the Larache Division. The primary goal is to ensure that the treated effluent is responsibly returned to the natural environment, thus supporting environmental sustainability.
While additional specifics regarding the project continue to be gradually unveiled, the Moroccan Ministry of Public Works and Water has offered a key insight: the new liquid sanitation infrastructure in Larache is expected to be fully operational by 2026. This expedited timeline aligns with the overarching vision of the National Liquid Sanitation and Wastewater Treatment Programme (PNA), which was initially launched in 2005. This far-reaching program has a central mission of elevating public health conditions within municipalities and fostering environmental well-being throughout Morocco’s vital water basins. The ultimate objective is set for the year 2030.