Communiqué on the Creation of Thematic Working Group in Charge of Evaluating the Water Policy
The Thematic Group in Charge of Evaluating the Water Policy held its first meeting on March 9, 2022, under the chairmanship of Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rachid Talbi El Alami, and in presence of the members of the Thematic Working Group appointed by the parliamentary groups and caucus.
The convention of this meeting falls within the framework of the parliamentary evaluation of public policies, pursuant to Articles 70 and 101 of the Constitution, and following the decision of the Board of the House to select "Water Policy" as a theme to be evaluated.
During this meeting, the Speaker of the House highlighted the importance of evaluation, as one of the main functions of the Parliament, besides legislation and scrutiny, according to the 2011 Constitution. Such functions, he clarified, contribute to strengthening democratic practices and enriching the parliamentary capital, enabling the representative institution to play a key role in following up and evaluating public policies and programs to meet the national and social aspirations.
The Speaker of the House also recalled the importance and timeliness of “Water Policy” as a theme to be evaluated, taking into consideration the high interest and attention given by His Majesty King Mohammed VI to the issue of water resources and water security, which have become a pressing concern and structural problem due to climatic conditions, poor rainfall, increasing use of this vital resource, as well as the excessive exploitation of groundwater.
In this regard, the Speaker of the House noted that the parliamentary institution is required to act immediately, based on the current pressing challenges related to this vital issue, mainly through evaluation and monitoring of achievements, challenges and constraints that have been registered so far, to draw lessons and thereby enhance public water policies in the future.
For their part, the participating Representatives expressed their gratitude and thanks to the Speaker and the Bureau of the House for selecting this theme, which comes at a time when water policy has become a strategic subject and, therefore, requires prompt synergies and unified approaches to develop an efficient and effective water policy that takes into account the various existing constraints and challenges. In addition, the Representatives confirmed their full readiness to work together, noting that they shall carry out the tasks entrusted to them by completing an objective report that meets the requirements of a precise scientific methodology based on the international standards and approaches in this respect.
Subsequently, the Thematic Working Group was formed according to the following composition:
- President: Rep. Mohammed El Bouamri (Socialist Group);
- Vice-President: Rep. El Houcine Rahouia (Social, Democratic and Constitutional Group);
- Rapporteur: Rep. Abderrahim Oisslam (Group of the National Rally of Independent);
Vice-Rapporteur: Rep. Omar El Baz (Haraki Group).