A high-level European Union delegation visited Morocco’s National Office for Electricity and Drinking Water’s (ONEE) recently constructed wastewater treatment project in the town of Sidi Allal Tazi, in the province of Kenitra on Wednesday, Morocco’s News Agency (MAP) reported.
The visit involved ambassadors and representatives from 13 European countries, the EU ambassador, the Director General of ONEE, and the President of Sidi Allal Tazi.
ONEE’s director-general, Tarik Hamane, stated that the project had been made possible through financial support from several partners, including the EU, the French Development Agency, the German Development Bank, and the European Investment Bank. He said that the establishment of the critical facility “reflects Morocco’s commitment to improving living conditions for citizens” by providing tangible solutions for wastewater management and treatment.
The EU Ambassador to Morocco, Patricia Llombart Cussac, highlighted Morocco’s efforts to address water scarcity, noting that the EU and Morocco “have much to exchange in this domain.”
She stated that water cooperation is a central aspect of the EU-Morocco partnership, underlining that the visit reflects the commitment to the Paris Agreement and the importance of strong collaboration with Morocco, both financially and technically, under the Green Partnership signed by both countries in 2022.
France’s Ambassador to Rabat, Christophe Lecourtier, remarked that water cooperation is one of the most important areas of collaboration between Morocco, France, and Europe. The three are actively involved in various programs aimed at addressing challenges related to wastewater and potable water management, he noted.
Germany’s Ambassador to Morocco, Robert Dölger, said he was proud to be participating in the project, which is part of a broader program to support small and medium-sized communities in Morocco.
He said that the efficient use of water resources is a key concern for the country, especially in the context of climate change. He also noted that the project represents a “significant step forward in Morocco’s new development model” under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, and is strategic for the country’s environment, population, and future water resources.
The cost of the wastewater treatment project in Sidi Allal Tazi is around MAD 21.6 million dirhams. The plant has a treatment capacity of 1,230 cubic meters per day, to serve a population of 17,100 (shared with the center of Had Oulad Jelloul).
The facility uses aeration basins for secondary treatment and was finished by ONEE as part of the integrated national wastewater treatment program. More than 2.7 million individuals are currently receiving wastewater services thanks to the creation of multiple units made possible through the program.