Significant Milestone for Water Supply in Morocco
On July 13, 2026, Nizar Baraka, Morocco's Minister of Equipment and Water, announced in front of the House of Representatives that the highly anticipated desalination plant in Casablanca is scheduled to commence operations in February 2027. This announcement marks a crucial step in addressing the ongoing water supply challenges faced by the country. The minister elaborated on the government's plans, which include the initiation of the water highway project connecting the Bouregreg River to the Oum Er-Rbia Basin, set to begin towards the end of 2026. This infrastructure project represents Morocco's second significant water connection initiative, following the successful link between the Sebou River and the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah dam in Rabat.
Strategic Initiatives to Combat Water Stress
Baraka emphasized that the Moroccan government, guided by King Mohammed VI's water management strategy, aims to achieve a 100% water supply rate for the population and an 80% irrigation rate in the coming years. Citing a recent surge in rainfall during 2026, he reported that the country currently possesses a water stock of 26 billion cubic meters, sufficient to meet the consumption needs for both potable water and irrigation for the next two years. In further efforts to enhance water accessibility, the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) has eliminated VAT for consumers, which is expected to alleviate financial burdens on households.
However, Baraka did not shy away from addressing existing challenges, including the issues of water leaks resulting from aging pipelines and the sedimentation of dams. The government plans to tackle these problems through regional multi-service companies and advanced regionalization strategies, while the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF) will address sedimentation through reforestation initiatives around the dams. The Istiqlal Party's Moncef Toub commended Baraka for his "honorable" record, highlighting that previous administrations had failed to establish any desalination plants despite ambitious plans. In contrast, Baraka's tenure has led to the realization of several new facilities within a single mandate.
Overall, with a comprehensive approach that encompasses desalination, dam construction, the development of water highways, and proactive measures to mitigate water loss, the Moroccan government is laying down a robust framework to secure the nation’s water supply amid persistent water stress. The operational launch of the Casablanca desalination plant in February 2027 is poised to be a pivotal achievement in this strategic vision.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
