HIBAPRESS – Mohammed El Harouali
A letter sent by the "Ashtouka Association of Agricultural Producers" to the Regional Directorate of Agricultural Investment in Souss Massa sparked a renewed debate about the priorities of managing water resources in the region.
In its letter, the association requested a study on the possibility of resuming the supply of small farmers with irrigation water from the Youssef Ben Tachfine Dam, clarifying the future program for irrigation shares. While this request is made from the perspective of reviving the agricultural season and supporting small farmers, a dissenting opinion emerged calling for caution and focusing on the priority of providing drinking water before expanding the agricultural uses of the dam. Drinking water priority on the front lines. Those who hold this view believe that the Youssef Ben Tachfine Dam remains part of a system that supplies a number of cities and neighboring areas with drinking water, including Tiznit, Sidi Ifni, and Mirleft. They emphasize that any decision related to expanding irrigation from the dam must first take into account the social need associated with drinking water, especially in a climatic context characterized by volatility and instability. This opinion adds that the improvement recorded in water imports does not necessarily mean that the dam is out of the circle of pressure, especially with the continued risks of a decline in rainfall during the coming months. Between irrigation and desalination.. options under discussion. Opponents also invoke the existence of a sea water desalination plant in the Ashtouka region, considering it a strategic project that has been relied upon to enhance water security. They emphasize that desalination represents an option to reduce pressure on traditional resources, including dams, both for drinking water and to support irrigation during periods of shortage. In contrast, actors in the agricultural sector believe that small farmers have been severely affected during the years of drought and that resuming irrigation according to clear regulations may help save a number of crops and small farms. The language of discussion.. between the right to differ and the necessity of responsibility. If the discussion about water distribution is legitimate, some of the reactions that accompanied it were characterized by harshness in expression, through the use of direct descriptions against parties or organizations. Observers believe that water issues do not tolerate verbal escalation or ready-made accusations because the matter concerns a sensitive file that affects the interests of citizens and requires a calm and responsible discussion. They emphasize that defending the priority of drinking water does not come through questioning the intentions of farmers, just as the demand for irrigation does not necessarily mean ignoring the requirements of water security. The need for a decision based on data. A number of actors agree that the decision on this file should be made based on accurate data that includes the status of the reservoir, the needs of drinking, the needs of irrigation, and the ability of desalination to meet the demand during the coming period. They also stress the importance of institutional communication to clarify the available options and avoid the spread of interpretations, especially when it comes to decisions that have a direct impact on social and economic stability in the region.
