Japan’s Embassy in Rabat awarded two grants totaling €108,339 (approximately MAD 1.15 million) to Moroccan associations on Thursday to support drinking water supply projects.
The funding, formalized through agreements signed by Japan’s Ambassador to Morocco, Hideaki Kuramitsu, and representatives of the beneficiary associations, is part of the “Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects” (APL) program, launched in 1989.
The first grant, worth €67,097 (approximately MAD 737,500), will fund the implementation of a drinking water supply project for the village of Taoudant in the Ait Baha region.
Managed by the Ajyal Taoudant for Development and Cooperation Association, the project is designed to enhance access to clean water for approximately 700 residents, particularly during droughts.
The initiative is intended to reduce long-distance water transport, which will particularly benefit women and children, while also improving local living conditions.
The second grant, valued at €41,242 (approximately MAD 453,800), will support a similar project in the village of zaouia Ben Jeblain in the Zagora region. The project will rehabilitate a 5,200-meter distribution system, addressing drinking water issues for about 3,000 people and ensuring access to clean and sufficient water.
Kuramitsu commended Moroccan associations for their work in sustainable development and community well-being. “Access to drinking water is a fundamental right and a cornerstone of public health,” he said, asserting the role of these projects in providing sustainable solutions for vulnerable communities.
He also highlighted the APL program’s significance, calling it a symbol of the friendship between Japan and Morocco and a reflection of Japan’s commitment to supporting Morocco’s efforts in addressing water challenges.
He urged the beneficiary associations to ensure effective implementation and careful management of the projects, reaffirming Japan’s confidence in their ability to carry out these initiatives. “Their commitment and proximity to the local population are key elements for the success of such projects,” he added.
Since 1989, the APL program has funded 374 projects initiated by Moroccan associations, with a total investment of nearly MAD 180 million.