MOROCCO: the EBRD and the GEF lend €13 million for water and “Reuse” in Guelmim-Oued Noun
As part of the “Green Cities” and environmental technology transfer (Envitecc) programs, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) respectively grant a loan of 12 million euros and a grant of 900,000 euros to the Guelmim-Oued Noun region in Morocco. This funding will help improve access to drinking water in rural areas, as well as irrigation and watering with treated wastewater.
Funding for Morocco in the water sectors and the reuse of treated wastewater is increasing. On December 8, 2023, two financial institutions committed to mobilizing approximately 13 million euros to support drinking water projects and the valorization of effluents in the Guelmim-Oued Noun region. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) will provide 12 million euros in the form of a loan, and the Global Environment Facility (GEF) a grant of 900,000 euros. The EBRD loan is guaranteed by the European Fund for Sustainable Development (EFSD).
This funding supports the implementation of the “Green Cities” and Environmental Technology Transfer (Envitecc) programs, which respectively aim to create a more sustainable future for municipalities, and to manage wastewater and pollution. If the Shereef kingdom is concerned, it is because it also wants to strengthen climate resilience and water security, and improve the health and livelihoods of its populations. So in Guelmim-Oued Noun, the objective is to promote rational use of water.
Rehabilitation of drinking water networks
With the envelope of 12 million euros granted by the EBRD, the regional authorities of Guelmim-Oued Noun will tackle the problems of water leaks on pipes, particularly in rural areas. The work will focus on the rehabilitation and extension of drinking water networks.
In addition to rationalizing water use, the two programs should help address regional disparities and promote development. For the record, the Guelmim-Oued Noun region is driven by activities such as tourism, maritime fishing, mining and agriculture.
In this region located in the south of Morocco, four wastewater treatment plants and recycling systems will be modernized in Guelmim, Lakhssas, Tan Tan and Mirleft. “These works will save significant quantities of water, approximately 10 million m3 d “wastewater treated each year, which will be reused for watering green spaces and green belts in the region”, indicates the EU.
A technical assistance component, funded by the EU, will also help the region to identify appropriate operational and maintenance solutions for rural water supply services, as well as an adequate management model for the use of water. recycled water, in order to guarantee the sustainability of investments.
