During his monthly question-and-answer session in the House of Representatives, Aziz Akhannouch was attacked by opposition groups, who strongly criticized him regarding the progress of infrastructure projects in Morocco. The controversy particularly erupted around the contract relating to the construction of a seawater desalination plant in Casablanca, awarded in November 2023 to a consortium including his own company, Afriquia Gaz.
On December 16, during his monthly question-and-answer session in the House of Representatives, head of government Aziz Akhannouch was attacked by opposition parties, particularly on the issue of Moroccan infrastructure projects. The controversy focused on the contract relating to the construction of a seawater desalination plant in Casablanca, awarded in November 2023 to a consortium including its own company, Afriquia Gaz. Other partners include the Spanish company Acciona and the company Green of Africa, specializing in renewable energies, co-owned by Akhannouch and banker Othman Benjelloun.
This contract concerns the design, financing and construction of a desalination facility, the capacity of which will be 548,000 m3 per day, making this factory the largest in Africa. The consortium is granted the right to operate it for thirty years, including three years of construction. The project, located in Sidi Rahal, 40 kilometers west of Casablanca, is part of the Kingdom’s strategy to meet growing water demand. It will provide drinking water to Casablanca, Settat, Berrechid, El-Jadida and Azemmour, while allowing the irrigation of 5,000 hectares of agricultural land. The required investment amounts to 6.5 billion dirhams (approximately $652.2 million), financed by a public-private partnership.
During this session, Akhannouch was strongly criticized by several opposition deputies who accused him of conflict of interest. The PJD and the PPS demanded “precise answers” concerning the circumstances which led a company linked to Akhannouch to obtain this contract. The heated debates highlighted the fact that the National Investment Commission (CNI), chaired by Akhannouch, had classified this project as “strategic”allowing him to benefit from specific advantages offered by the State. According to the PPS, “the committee led by Akhannouch negotiated to guarantee support and privileges for this project. These are benefits the details of which escape the public.” Other MPs pointed out that Afriquia Gaz and Green of Africa have no experience in desalination.
Akhannouch reacted strongly to these accusations, arguing that the award of the contract had been done in a transparent manner. He also defended the choice of his consortium, saying it had won the tender because of the quality of its offer. Under pressure, he retorted firmly: “Don’t lie to people, this project was the subject of a transparent call for tenders and the State will not contribute to its realization.” He clarified that no state financial assistance would be provided, although the government had acquired the 50-hectare land for the factory. He also pointed out that the price per liter of desalinated water would be lower than that offered by other bidders once the plant is completed.
Despite his justifications, opposition parties remain skeptical. This is not the first time that Akhannouch has found himself at the heart of controversies over conflicts of interest. Ownership of one of Morocco’s largest fuel distribution companies has led to repeated accusations of speculation, with Afriquia Gaz and other major oil companies accused of keeping fuel prices artificially high.
These controversies undermine the political future of Aziz Akhannouch and accentuate the perception that the government is controlled by businessmen more concerned with their personal interests than the general interest.
