Algeria is planning to sue Morocco for polluting the water in Tlemcen province, which has affected nearly two million people. The pollution in the Muwailah River has been ongoing, with experts warning that it poses a significant threat to the environment and human health. The river's water quality has deteriorated due to industrial activities in the Moroccan city of Oujda.
According to experts, the pollution in the Muwailah River is a unique case in Africa, with high levels of heavy metals and chemicals exceeding international standards by 400 times. The Algerian government has been monitoring the situation and has taken steps to mitigate the effects of the pollution. However, the continued flow of polluted water from Morocco makes it challenging to find effective solutions.
Former Algerian Minister of Water Resources and Professor at the Higher School of Irrigation, Mustapha Kamel Miihoubi, stated that the water in the Muwailah River is naturally pure and of good quality when it enters Morocco from Algeria. However, it returns to Algeria polluted and toxic. He emphasized that this situation is a human rights issue, as it affects the right to access clean water.
Miihoubi added that Algeria has the necessary capabilities to address the pollution, but the continued flow of polluted water from Morocco hinders efforts to find effective solutions. He stressed that Morocco is obligated to respect international norms and standards, including the United Nations' 2030 agenda, which aims to ensure access to clean water for all.
The Algerian government has taken a proactive approach to addressing the pollution, including conducting research and monitoring the water quality. The government has also allocated resources to develop strategies to mitigate the effects of the pollution. Miihoubi stated that Algeria will prepare a file to sue Morocco, based on scientific evidence and international law.
The pollution has significant implications for the region, with the Bou Ghara Dam, which supplies water to nearly two million people, at risk of contamination. The Algerian government has taken measures to protect the dam, including deploying emergency response teams and monitoring the water quality. The government has also partnered with the University of Biskra to develop a device that detects pollution in real-time.
Algeria has adopted a long-term strategy to achieve water security, including building desalination plants and promoting water conservation. President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has emphasized the importance of taking proactive measures to address the challenges posed by climate change, including water scarcity. The government's efforts aim to ensure access to clean water for all citizens and protect the environment.
Key points
- Algeria to sue Morocco over water pollution
- Pollution affects nearly two million people in Tlemcen province
- Algeria adopts long-term strategy to achieve water security
