By Essaid Media | Field Manager
April 2024
Introduction
The High Atlas Foundation (HAF) responded promptly to the devastating 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck the Moroccan provinces of Al Haouz, Chichaoua, Ouarzazate, Taroudant, and Azilal on September 8, 2023. The earthquake caused extensive damage to water infrastructure, resulting in a severe lack of clean drinking water and irrigation for the affected remote areas. With over 20 years of community and sustainable development experience and projects, HAF’s initiated a comprehensive project to rehabilitate the drinking water and irrigation systems in the affected villages. This report provides an overview of the project updates, challenges faced, impact stories, and next steps.
Project Updates
Following the relief and rebuilding efforts, HAF identified significant challenges in the water infrastructure of various villages in Al Haouz province, Oukaiemden municipality, Imlil municipality, Aghbar municipality, and Ouarzazate province. After a challenging two-month journey from Marrakech due to heavy traffic and narrow roads, the foundation began the first phase of the rehabilitation project, which included the construction of water canals, rehabilation of water tanks, water pipes, and solar panels, as well as the digging of wells in 12 villages.
Objectives:
Objective 1: Provide Access to Clean Water for Drinking
To address the urgent need for clean drinking water in the earthquake-affected areas, the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) focused on rehabilitating and constructing water tanks in various villages. By rehabilitating existing water tanks and constructing new ones, HAF aimed to ensure a reliable supply of clean drinking water for the communities. Additionally, HAF installed water pipes to improve access to clean drinking water in several villages, enhancing the quality and availability of water for the residents.
Objective 2: Provide Access to Water Sources for Agriculture
Revitalizing agriculture was a crucial aspect of HAF's project. To support agricultural activities, including agroforestry and livestock grazing, HAF prioritized the rehabilitation and construction of irrigation systems. By rehabilitating existing systems and constructing new ones, HAF aimed to provide the necessary water sources for sustainable agriculture in the affected areas. This initiative supported the community's vision of rebuilding their villages in a sustainable way, ensuring long-term agricultural productivity.
Objective 3: Installation of Solar Panels
To ensure a sustainable and reliable water supply for both drinking and agriculture, HAF installed solar panels in specific locations. Solar panels were strategically placed to power water pumping systems, providing a continuous and environmentally friendly source of energy. This installation of solar panels supported HAF's goal of promoting sustainable practices and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, while also ensuring reliable water access for both drinking and irrigation purposes.
Activities
The project has constructed and rehabilitated 10 water tanks with a total volume of approximately 9,948.07 m³. This includes one tank in each of Timichi, Ager N’ourtane, Anmeter in Sti Fadma municipality and Widrarane, Lamkayat villages in Aghbar municipality, three tanks in Agouns village, Oukaiemden municipality, and two tanks in Tanamert village, Aghbar municipality.
Additionally, 7,580 meters of new irrigation systems were constructed, primarily in six villages, Anfli, Aguerd N’ourtane and Tamguiste, Sti Fadma municipality, Widrarane and Lamkayat villages in Aghbar municipality, and Armed village in Imlil municipality.
Furthermore, 23,500 meters of water pipes were laid across various villages, including Anfli, Timichi, Ager N’ourtane, Tamguiste, Armed, Widrarane, Lamkayat, and Tanamert. To support clean water access and irrigation. 66 solar panels were installed in Armed village, Imlil municipality, and Agloula village, Ouarzazate municipality. These efforts have significantly improved water access and agricultural productivity for communities impacted by the earthquake.
Community-Driven Water Infrastructure Project
The High Atlas Foundation (HAF) prioritizes community participation in its water infrastructure project, empowering earthquake-affected villages to rebuild their lives. Through extensive community meetings and active involvement in planning and implementation, HAF fosters ownership and responsibility for the project's success. Over 60 individuals from the villages were engaged in construction, receiving daily remuneration and contributing to the project's alignment with community needs. This participatory approach ensures long-term sustainability and resilience, improving water access, creating employment opportunities, and fostering a sense of community ownership.
Impact
The projects has provided access to clean drinking and irrigation water system for over 7,823 individuals across 1,830 households in the 14 affected villages. This has significantly improved the health and well-being of the communities, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases.
The rehabilitation and construction of irrigation systems have revitalized agriculture in the 12 villages. This has increased agricultural productivity, providing a sustainable source of income and food security for the communities.
The project has created employment opportunities for local members, contributing to the economic recovery of the affected areas.
The participatory approach adopted by HAF has empowered communities to take ownership of the project and ensure its long-term sustainability.
Challenges
The mountainous terrain of the affected areas posed logistical challenges for the transportation of materials and equipment.
The project faced financial constraints, requiring HAF to seek additional funding sources to complete the rehabilitation work.
Next Steps
HAF plans to expand the project to additional villages in the affected areas, providing access to clean drinking water and irrigation for more communities.
HAF will continue to work with local communities to develop sustainable water management practices, ensuring the long-term viability of the project.
HAF will advocate for increased government support for water infrastructure development in remote areas.
Testimonies
"Before HAF's project, our lives were very difficult. The earthquake had destroyed our irrigation system, and without water, our crops were failing. We were struggling to feed our families and were forced to rely on expensive food aid. But now, thanks to the new irrigation canals, we can finally grow our crops again. This has not only improved our food security but has also given us a source of income. We are so grateful to the High Atlas Foundation for giving us hope for the future." -Hassan, a farmer from Aguerd N’ourtane village, March 2024
Impact Story:
Hassan's story is just one example of the transformative impact that the High Atlas Foundation's Water Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project has had on the lives of people in earthquake-affected villages. By providing access to clean drinking water, revitalizing agriculture, creating employment opportunities, and empowering communities, the project is contributing to a brighter future for all. The story highlights the importance of access to water for agricultural productivity and food security. The new irrigation canals have not only improved the livelihoods of farmers like Hassan but have also contributed to the overall economic recovery of the affected areas.
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