Facing one of the longest droughts in recent history, Morocco is intensifying efforts to secure its water future through a combination of desalination, dam construction, and inter-basin water transfers. Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, presented the government’s comprehensive strategy to Parliament, highlighting urgent measures to address declining reservoir levels and rural water scarcity.
Currently, Morocco’s dam filling rate stands at 31.6%, a slight improvement from last year. To bolster water storage, the government is constructing 14 large dams, six medium-sized ones, and plans to add two more. Additionally, 155 small dams are scheduled for completion by 2027.
A major inter-basin transfer project will begin in December, channeling 800 million cubic meters of water from the Bouregreg to the Oum Er-Rbia basin. This initiative aims to support water-stressed provinces like El Jadida and Sidi Bennour.
Desalination is central to Morocco’s long-term water strategy. Output has increased tenfold—from 32 million to 320 million cubic meters—with a goal of reaching 1.7 billion cubic meters by 2030. New plants are underway in the Oriental, Souss, and Guelmim regions, with the Souss facility alone expected to deliver 350 million cubic meters annually, primarily for irrigation.
To ensure sustainable groundwater use, the government is implementing aquifer contracts in regions such as Saiss, Boudenib, Zagora, and Berrechid.
Despite infrastructure progress, rural communities continue to suffer from water shortages and service disruptions. Some areas have seen internal migration due to drought, prompting calls for immediate action. Baraka acknowledged the severity of the crisis, noting that 2.7 million people have received emergency water deliveries via 1,200 tanker trucks.
Looking ahead, Morocco aims to balance water allocation between urban and agricultural needs. The strategy envisions using desalinated water for coastal cities while reserving dam water for rural and farming communities—allocating 1.7 billion cubic meters for domestic and rural use, and 500 million for irrigation.
(Source: Morocco World News)