How Moroccan Oases Survive ? The Khettara Underground Irrigation System | SLICE

In southern Morocco, life depends on an invisible network beneath the desert: the khettaras. These ancient underground canals, dug meter by meter by hand, bring groundwater from the phreatic zone to the oasis villages. When one becomes blocked, dozens of families immediately feel the consequences. In the village of Bouia, a collapsed khettara threatens crops, livestock and livelihoods. After Friday prayers, the men gather in the Jmâa, the traditional assembly where all water decisions are made. Volunteers must descend into the dark tunnels, 10 meters underground, in extreme heat and near-total darkness. Maintenance is dangerous. Cave-ins are possible. Oxygen is scarce. Yet without this work, the oasis would disappear. Water rights are strictly regulated. Each farmer has a “quarter,” a turn that comes every 12 days. In a region where temperatures reach 50°C, water is not just a resource. It is heritage, law, and survival. Documentary: Oasis – Morocco, mastering Taflilalt’s Waters Directed by : Guy Beauché Production: ZED, Arte France We fully own the rights to the use of the published content. Any illegal reproduction of this content will result in immediate legal action. SLICE wants to fill up your curiosity! Accessible to anyone from anywhere at any time, this channel is your weekly dose of short docs about curious facts, discoveries, astounding info, unusual stories, weird, fun and instructive. Be smart, have a slice! Subscribe now ►►► http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvziXdVCN7PMdFZEFZ6aEqQ?sub_confirmation=1 Become a fan ! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvziXdVCN7PMdFZEFZ6aEqQ/join Follow us 👇 In French: https://www.youtube.com/c/SLICEFR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slicedocs Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slicedocs #documentary #slice #fulldocumentary #freedocumentary