Following the disastrous earthquake that struck Morocco and in particular the Marrakech region, the difficult phase of reconstruction and damage assessment has begun.
Fortunately, the Museum of Water Civilisations in Morocco Mohammed VI, which hosted our 4th International Conference less than a year ago, was not particularly affected. Its tireless director and WAMU-NET Vicepresident, Abdennabi El Mandour, and his entire team and their respective families are well.
However, in the High Atlas and Imlil region that we visited at the end of the conference and which was at the epicentre of the earthquake, the toll is dramatic and the damage incalculable.
As of 15 September, 3,000 people are estimated dead, as well as numerous missing and 5,000 seriously injured.
Unfortunately, one of the last watermills we visited at the end of the conference with the delegation of the WAMU-NET network was also destroyed and the people living there were injured.
For sure many of us will recall the warm welcome by the local community that offered the tasty fruits of their oasis: nuts, bread, olive oil and honey (photo)
WAMU-NET intends to contribute to the reconstruction of this now rare historical hydraulic artefact and the nearby farm and rural house, by carrying out a restoration project also with the help of our members.
Anyone wishing to contribute to the fundraising campaign to rebuild one of the last traditional water mills in the Upper Atlas can do so by sending even a small contribution to the bank account indicated below, specifying in the reason for payment 'Contribution for the reconstruction of the historical water mill in the Upper Atlas'.
The amounts received and how the financial flows will be sent and monitored, in support of the affected local community and with the purpose of empowering the role of the last surviving water masters, will be discussed at the next General Assembly.
The list of donors will be published and constantly updated on our website, as well as the progress of the work and fundraising.
On behalf of our friends from the Upper Atlas and WAMU-NET, we thank you so much for your kind contribution!
Bank details of the account where the payment should be made:
(IBAN): IT67 F058 5636 1931 1257 1421 969 – (BIC): BPAAIT2B112
Bank: Banca Popolare dell’Alto Adige (Address: Branch of Mirano n.112, Venice, Italy)
Reason for payment: "Name of Institution or Person: High Atlas".
Beneficiary: Global Network of Water Museums
Caption of the photo: the WAMU-NET delegation welcomed by the local community in the Upper Atlas. On the left, the wall of the historical water mill destroyed by the earthquake.