Casablanca – In response to the growing challenge of water scarcity, Morocco is embarking on a significant infrastructure expansion aimed at enhancing its water management capabilities. The country has launched an ambitious project to construct sixteen new dams across various provinces, with the goal of increasing its water storage capacity by nearly 4.9 billion cubic meters. This major initiative represents an investment of over $2.68 billion.
As Morocco faces severe water shortages exacerbated by climate change and rising demand, the government has prioritized a comprehensive plan to bolster its water infrastructure. The new dams will play a crucial role in improving water supply reliability, supporting agricultural irrigation, and ensuring that industrial and domestic water needs are met even during periods of drought.
The planned dams are strategically located in regions under significant water stress. Among the key projects is the Kheng Grou Dam in Figuig Province, which will have a capacity of 1.07 billion cubic meters and is expected to be completed by 2026. This project, costing approximately $123 million, will significantly enhance water management in the region.
Another major project is the Ratba Dam in Taounate Province, which will provide 1.009 billion cubic meters of additional storage. With a total investment of around $421 million, it is slated for completion by 2028. The Mohammed V Dam, situated between Taourirt and Nador provinces, will see its capacity increased to 980 million cubic meters through an elevation project costing about $159 million, with completion anticipated by 2026.
In Guercif Province, the Targa Ou Madi Dam will offer 287 million cubic meters of storage at a cost of approximately $179 million. The project is expected to finish in 2026. Additionally, the Mokhtar Soussi Dam in Taroudant Province will see its capacity raised to 280 million cubic meters, with the project estimated at around $169 million and scheduled for completion in 2026.
Other notable projects include the Tamri Dam in Agadir Province, with a 204 million cubic meter capacity and a cost of about $278 million, expected to complete by 2026; the Sidi Abbou Dam in Taounate Province, providing 200 million cubic meters at an investment of approximately $128 million, with a completion date set for 2025; and the Aït Ziat Dam in Al Haouz Province, which will have a capacity of 185 million cubic meters and a budget of about $188 million, due for completion by 2026.
The new dams will enhance Morocco’s ability to manage water resources more effectively, mitigating the risks of floods during heavy rains and ensuring a steady supply during droughts. These projects are expected to support agricultural expansion, improve food security, and foster economic development by providing a reliable water source for industries.
In addition to these dam projects, Morocco is pursuing other water management strategies, including desalination and wastewater reuse, to diversify its water sources and reduce dependence on unpredictable precipitation patterns. This extensive investment in water infrastructure underscores Morocco’s commitment to addressing its water challenges head-on and securing its water future amid a changing climate.