Spain’s PSOE criticizes PP over Casablanca desalination project funding

Spain has recently bolstered its financial commitment to the Casablanca desalination project, elevating the funding to €340 million, an increase of €100 million from the previous announcement in 2023. This move has sparked controversy, particularly from the Popular Party (PP), which has accused the Spanish government of neglecting Melilla's water infrastructure while investing heavily in Morocco.

In a strong rebuttal, Rafael Robles, the spokesperson for the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), condemned the PP's stance as an attempt to “break relations” between Spain and Morocco. Robles characterized the criticisms from PP's Manuel Ángel Quevedo as exhibiting “disproportionate ignorance” regarding the benefits of Spanish financial involvement in Moroccan infrastructure projects.

“The Spanish government is financing public infrastructure built by Spanish companies that will provide jobs for Spaniards,” Robles asserted. He emphasized that Spanish firms possess the expertise to deliver high-quality public works, advocating for their role in enhancing Spain's presence in international markets.

Robles further accused Quevedo of either being uninformed or intentionally misleading the public about the nature of the funding arrangement, suggesting a political motive behind the PP's objections. “It’s akin to how any citizen finances a home or a vehicle,” he clarified regarding the terms of the loan for the desalination plant.

The PP's criticisms have centered on perceived inequities in government support, particularly as Melilla faces operational challenges with its own water facilities. Quevedo expressed concern that while Spain commits substantial resources to Morocco, its own territories are left wanting.

In response to PSOE's accusations, Quevedo claimed that the financing for the Casablanca project includes “favorable conditions,” with a portion allocated as non-refundable funds. He highlighted discontent among Spanish provinces such as Almería and Málaga, which feel similarly deserving of government support.

The political discourse intensified following the announcement of the increased funding. The Casablanca desalination plant, awarded to a consortium led by Spanish company Acciona, aims to produce 300 million cubic meters of water annually, serving over seven million residents in the Casablanca metropolitan area. Originally proposed by Moroccan authorities in 2009, the project has faced numerous delays.

Amparo López Senovilla, Spain’s Secretary of State for Commerce, confirmed the government’s commitment to “more active” financial support for investments in Morocco during a recent event supporting Acciona's initiative. The funding package includes a €250 million repayable loan approved by the Spanish Council of Ministers and additional guarantees from the Spanish Export Credit Agency.

Over the past decade, Spain has emerged as Morocco’s primary trading partner, with exports reaching €12.8 billion in 2024, significantly surpassing imports. The construction of the Casablanca desalination plant, regarded as Africa’s largest, commenced in June 2024 and is scheduled for phased openings starting in late 2026.

Upon completion, the project will not only provide essential drinking water to a large urban population but will also ensure irrigation for 8,000 hectares of agricultural land, marking a significant advancement in regional resource management.