Morocco boosts water management with 16 new dam projects

Morocco is working on a major water management initiative with plans to construct 16 new dams across the country. According to APA News, this ambitious programme aims to enhance the kingdom’s water storage capacity to nearly 4.9 billion cubic metres, ensuring a stable water supply amid increasing demand and environmental challenges.

The government has allocated over $2.6bn (26bn dirhams) to these projects which include the Kheng Grou Dam in Figuig Province, which will hold 1.07bn cubic metres of water and is expected to be operational by 2026.

The Ratba Dam in Taounate Province, with a storage capacity of 1.009bn cubic metres, is scheduled for completion in 2028. These projects, alongside others like the Mohammed V Dam expansion and the Targa Ou Madi Dam, will enhance water security significantly and support agricultural activities.

In addition to dam construction, Morocco is diversifying its water resources through desalination plants, with seven planned for construction by 2027.

Recent data from the Ministry of Equipment and Water indicates that reservoir levels in Morocco reached 27.71 per cent by the end of August, with varying fill rates across different basins. Heavy thunderstorms have recently contributed to replenishing these reserves, alleviating drought conditions despite some localised flooding and damage.

READ: Saudi Arabia, Morocco sign MoU to strengthen health sectors, pandemic preparedness