After reading the Dahir of appointment, Mr. Laftit congratulated the new wali and governor for the trust placed in him by the Sovereign, while wishing him every success in accomplishing the new missions and responsibilities entrusted to him.
After recalling Mr. Zniber’s professional career as a territorial manager and head of several institutions and departments, particularly those relating to town planning and regional development, the minister stressed that this royal appointment is part of the framework of constant efforts aimed at providing the region with national skills capable of developing its territorial potential and consolidating the principles of good governance through the mobilization of elites who demonstrate great skills, dedication and a sense of listening to citizens.
The Drâa-Tafilalet region, like other regions, suffers from worrying water stress and the problem of water resources management which is increasing with the succession of years of drought and climate change. observes Mr. Laftit, noting in this sense that HM King Mohammed VI has constantly emphasized in the various royal speeches the importance of preserving water and emphasizing the challenges caused by the shortage of this vital resource.
To this end, the minister underlined the importance of the execution of the Royal Directions addressed to the various departments on the subject of water preservation, of showing greater mobilization and vigilance and of ensuring efficiency in subject of planned projects and the continuation of the fight against the overexploitation of water.
While congratulating the former wali of the region, Bouchâab Yahdih, in addition to the departments and elected authorities for their efforts which enabled the implementation of major water projects, the minister reported on the construction at the level of the Drâa-Tafilalet region of five additional large and medium dams in addition to the programming of the construction of more than 30 hill dams with a total cost of around 990 million dirhams as well as the program to create groundwater recharge thresholds and flood protection walls in Zagora for a budget of 264 million dirhams.
On the subject of structuring projects aimed at supplying the population with drinking water, the minister reported 37 projects and programs currently being implemented with a total cost of more than 2.7 billion dirhams in addition to the projects of the hydraulic development aimed at rationalizing the use of irrigation water.
Likewise, Mr. Laftit focused on the program, launched in application of the High Royal Instructions, aimed at the rehabilitation of areas affected by floods in the south-east of the Kingdom, recalling in this sense that the overall forecast budget allocated for the implementation of this program is approximately 2.5 billion dirhams.
Regarding the socio-economic aspect, Mr. Laftit observed that the Drâa-Tafilalet region faces several challenges linked to the spatial specificities of the region, noting that significant progress has been made, in this sense, in the framework of the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) having enabled the realization of more than 10,000 projects in the region amounting to more than 6.2 billion dirhams.
He also mentioned the various projects underway in the region, in particular the City of Trades and Skills (CMC) whose work progress rate has reached 65%.
And to ensure the continued execution of the various development projects, the wali is invited to support the New development model as part of a participatory approach which involves all stakeholders, said Mr. Laftit.
In the security aspect, Mr. Laftit called on the wali to continue on the path of vigilance and mobilization, in coordination with the services concerned, with a view to strengthening tranquility and stability and defeating all attempts aimed at endanger the security of citizens.
The installation ceremony of the new wali of the region took place in the presence of governors of the provinces in the region, representatives of the judiciary and judicial professions, heads and members of elected bodies, officials of professional chambers, civil society actors, as well as civil and military personalities.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Water Management Expert
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Zniber! Thank you for joining us today. There has been a significant royal appointment recently in the Drâa-Tafilalet region concerning water management. What are your initial thoughts on Mr. Laftit’s congratulatory remarks to the new governor?
Dr. Zniber: It’s a pivotal moment for the region. Mr. Laftit’s acknowledgment of the trust placed in the new wali reflects an understanding of the critical role leadership plays in effective governance. Given the current challenges, especially concerning water stress, this appointment is vital for driving sustainable initiatives.
Editor: Speaking of challenges, Mr. Laftit highlighted the worrying water stress and management issues exacerbated by climate change. How critical is the situation in the Drâa-Tafilalet region?
Dr. Zniber: The concerns are indeed pressing. The Drâa-Tafilalet region faces severe water scarcity, and the impacts of years of drought are taking a toll on both the environment and community livelihoods. Climate change further complicates these issues by introducing unpredictability in water availability that we can no longer afford to ignore.
Editor: You mentioned community impact. What measures are being taken to address not only the water scarcity but also to ensure local populations are supported through these changes?
Dr. Zniber: Mr. Laftit’s emphasis on community involvement is critical. The region has implemented 37 ongoing projects aimed at improving access to drinking water, with a budget exceeding 2.7 billion dirhams. This underscores the importance of infrastructure development as a means to enhance the quality of life for residents, ensuring that even in tough times, people have reliable access to this essential resource.
Editor: There are plans for the construction of new dams and enhancement of existing water systems. How essential is this infrastructural development to combat the water crisis?
Dr. Zniber: Infrastructural investments like the proposed five new large dams and 30 hill dams are crucial. They not only bolster water supply resilience but are also significant for flood management and aquifer recharge. Properly executed, these projects can create a strategic buffer against the impacts of climate change and increasing water demands.
Editor: Mr. Laftit also mentioned the royal directives focusing on water preservation. How do you see these directives influencing the operations of various departments?
Dr. Zniber: The royal directives serve as a guiding framework, urging departments to prioritize water conservation and management effectively. Compliance with these directions ensures that everyone—from local authorities to community leaders—understands the urgency. Additionally, these directives can mobilize social and political will, fostering a collaborative environment where communities feel heard and involved.
Editor: With climate issues at the forefront, what role do you foresee citizen engagement playing in the region’s water management strategy?
Dr. Zniber: Citizen engagement is essential—without community buy-in, any strategy may falter. Education and awareness campaigns about water conservation and responsible usage can empower citizens, prompting them to participate actively in local projects. When communities feel a sense of ownership, their resilience in the face of water scarcity strengthens significantly.
Editor: As we look ahead, what are your hopes for the future of water resource management in the Drâa-Tafilalet region?
Dr. Zniber: My hope is that the region not only implements infrastructure projects but also cultivates a sustainable culture of water management that prioritizes collaboration, education, and resilience. A proactive approach, combining advanced initiatives backed by community involvement, can lead to a prosperous future for the Drâa-Tafilalet region, mitigating water challenges effectively.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Zniber, for your insights. It’s clear that the road ahead is both challenging and filled with opportunities for growth and improvement in water management.
Dr. Zniber: Thank you for having me. It’s a critical time for the region, and I’m optimistic that with the right leadership and community collaboration, we can address these urgent water issues.