In Dar Bouazza, the chronic pollution of the Merzeg river has once again come under the spotlight. Last Monday, the governor of the Nouaceur prefecture, Jalal Benhayoun, visited the site and expressed his deep concern about the situation. What he observed on the ground goes beyond mere technical dysfunction: it is a true ecological disaster that the coastline of Dar Bouazza is enduring, where wastewater continues to be massively discharged into the sea.
An Unsustainable Situation from a Health and Environmental Perspective
At the mouth of the river, the sight is alarming. Flows of wastewater from several surrounding municipalities converge there every day, causing unbearable visual and olfactory pollution. The origins of these discharges are multiple: the Berrechid treatment plant, the Had Soualem industrial zone, the Lakhyayta municipality, not to mention the illegal connections from certain residential neighborhoods linked illegally to the riverbed.
This pollution, confirmed by analyses from the National Laboratory of the Environment, jeopardizes the ecological balance of the region and threatens the health of citizens, particularly during the summer season.
The Blue Flag Out of Reach
The Merzeg river beach will still not be able to claim the “Blue Flag” label, a symbol of environmental quality, awarded by the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment. The state of the bathing waters, far from meeting the required standards, deprives Dar Bouazza and Tamaris of this precious certification, despite their affirmed tourist vocation.
The governor firmly reminded that this shortcoming poses a serious danger, not only to public health but also to the image of the region.
A Game of Responsibilities that Hinders Any Solution
The situation has persisted for years, fueled by ambiguity surrounding responsibilities. During successive municipal councils and official meetings at the prefecture, the various stakeholders – the municipalities of Berrechid, Soualem, Lakhyayta, and the Hydraulic Basin Agency – pass the buck to each other. Some have even mentioned the idea of legal action against the municipality of Berrechid, accused of polluting discharges from its treatment plant. But no concrete procedure has yet come to fruition.
In the meantime, the residents of Dar Bouazza see their beach disfigured, their environment degraded, and their health exposed to increasing risks.
Towards a Wake-Up Call?
In light of the magnitude of the problem, Governor Benhayoun has demanded an immediate response. His message is clear: local officials and operators must take responsibility without further delay. More rigorous coordination, coercive measures, and sanctions could be considered if commitments are not followed by actions.
This alarm call could mark a turning point, provided it is followed by concrete actions and collective commitment. Because the Merzeg river no longer has the luxury of waiting.