Moroccan Public Baths Face Closure Due to Water Crisis
In Rabat, Morocco, Fatima Mhattar has been a familiar face at Hammam El Majd, a traditional public bath where locals gather to relax, socialize, and unwind. The hammams have long been a cultural staple in Moroccan society, providing a communal space for people of all backgrounds to come together and cleanse themselves in a steamy environment.
However, in recent years, these public baths have come under threat as Morocco grapples with the impacts of climate change and a severe drought that has plagued the country for six years. To address this water crisis, authorities have enforced closures of hammams for three days a week in various cities across the nation.
While some see the closures as a necessary measure to conserve water, others have raised concerns about the potential economic impact on workers like Mhattar, who rely on the hammams for their livelihood. The restrictions have led to a decrease in customer traffic and created uncertainty about the future viability of these businesses.
The decision to prioritize water conservation at public baths over other sectors has sparked debate and criticism. Some argue that the government should also impose restrictions on more water-intensive industries like agriculture and tourism, rather than singling out establishments like hammams.
Critics, including Fatima Zahra Bata, a member of Morocco’s House of Representatives, have questioned why luxury spas frequented by wealthier clientele have been exempt from the closures. They argue that the government’s approach unfairly targets lower-income individuals who depend on hammams for their income.
The closures have had a significant impact on the hammam sector, affecting approximately 200,000 individuals who are directly or indirectly employed in the industry. Despite the sector’s relatively low water consumption compared to other industries, officials have decided to prioritize conservation efforts at these public baths.
Cities such as Casablanca, Tangier, and Beni Mellal have already implemented the closures following directives from the interior minister earlier this year. The move reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the water crisis and mitigating the effects of the ongoing drought on the country’s water resources.
As Morocco continues to face challenges related to water scarcity and climate change, the future of traditional establishments like hammams remains uncertain. While efforts to conserve water are crucial, finding a balance between sustainability and economic stability is imperative in ensuring the well-being of communities reliant on these cultural institutions.