MP Fatima Benazza, a member of the Istiqlal Party for Unity and Egalitarianism, has submitted a written question to the Minister of Equipment and Water regarding the restoration of the ecological flow of the Moulouya River, specifically at the sensitive site of its mouth.
She highlighted the changes observed in the section of the Moulouya River located downstream of the Mechraa Hammadi Dam, where the river has turned into a stagnant water swamp.
Benazza pointed out that the reduction in ecological flow, water flow, and the necessary oxygen has led to the deterioration of biological life. She emphasized that the springs feeding the river are functioning normally and have not been affected by the drought that has plagued the region in recent years.
The MP expressed her deep concern about what she described as an « imminent ecological disaster » threatening the aquatic biodiversity of the Moulouya, which is classified by the Moroccan government as a site of biological importance according to the Ramsar International Convention.
She added that without urgent intervention, all fish and living organisms in this ecosystem are at risk of extinction due to the impact of government and private pumping stations that extract water for agricultural purposes.
Benazza clarified that this dangerous environmental situation is the result of « mismanagement and chaos » caused by pumping stations set up by farmers and government entities along the Moulouya River, especially in the municipalities of Oulad Settout, Chouihia, and Bou Guerba.
She pointed out that the provincial committee in Berkane observed these impacts during a field visit involving several concerned sectors.
In her concluding remarks, Benazza referenced a previous response from the minister regarding the ecological flow of the Moulouya River’s mouth, in which state officials reaffirmed their commitment to the standards outlined in the study conducted by the Moulouya Water Basin Agency, which set the flow at 1 cubic meter per second.
She concluded by questioning the minister about the urgent actions that will be taken to restore the ecological flow of the Moulouya River at its mouth, calling for swift action to prevent this ecological disaster.
