Moroccan Response to Drought: Three-Day Closure of Hammams Implemented
For centuries, hammams, or public baths, have been an integral part of Moroccan life, providing a space for people of all social classes to wash and relax. However, climate change and a six-year drought are impacting this tradition, leading to closures and financial struggles for hammam owners.
As part of water restrictions in response to the prolonged drought, the interior minister ordered the closure of hammams in cities like Casablanca, Tangier, and Beni Mellal for at least three days a week. Owners are facing financial difficulties as they still have to cover taxes, water, and electricity bills, while their income has decreased due to closures.
Hammam closures also pose technical challenges, as letting the heating systems go cold during shutdowns can have repercussions. Fatima Fedouachi, president of the hammam owners’ association in Casablanca, suggests an alternative approach, proposing that hammams be closed daily in the morning and open from midday to 9 pm to maintain heating continuity.
Despite closures, many hammams continue to burn wood even on days when they are not operational, incurring additional expenses without customers. The hammam associations have yet to release statistics on layoffs or revenue loss, but they have warned about the broader impact on owners, technicians, and receptionists.
Workers in hammams are also feeling the economic strain. With decreased clientele due to fears of overcrowding and irregular hours, earnings for workers have diminished. Fatima Mhattar, a hammam worker, expressed concerns about the declining number of customers, especially on busy days, impacting the livelihoods of workers.
Morocco is grappling with extreme water stress, exacerbated by low rainfall and rising temperatures. The country’s largest dams, including the Al Massira Dam, are experiencing alarming drops in water levels. Morocco faced record heat in the winter, with January being the hottest month since measurements began in 1940. The intersection of climate change, drought, and water scarcity is posing challenges not only to the traditional hammam culture but also to broader aspects of life and agriculture in the country.
