Marrakech's New Water Supply Initiative
The Marrakech-Safi region is on the brink of a significant advancement in securing its water supply. By the end of July 2026, the Greater Marrakech area will be receiving desalted water sourced from the desalination plant in Safi, as part of a large-scale hydraulic transfer project considered one of the most pivotal initiatives in Morocco's potable water sector. This initiative, spearheaded by the Regional Multiservice Company (SRM) of Marrakech-Safi, aligns with the national strategy aimed at bolstering the Kingdom's water security amidst increasing drought incidents and mounting pressure on conventional water resources.
This ambitious infrastructure project is designed to transport up to 3.2 cubic meters of water per second, translating to nearly 100 million cubic meters of desalted water annually. The water will be conveyed from the desalination facility constructed by the OCP Group in Safi to Marrakech via an extensive network of 185.3 kilometers of steel pipelines, complemented by several storage and regulation structures.
With a total investment of 4.2 billion dirhams, funded by the state budget and the Ministry of Interior, this project addresses an urgent necessity in one of Morocco's regions most vulnerable to water stress. For years, Marrakech has faced intense pressure on its water resources due to a combination of population growth, economic development, and a decline in natural water supplies.
According to Mohamed Meziani, the provincial director of SRM Marrakech-Safi, the desalted water will pass through three pumping stations before reaching the main reservoir at RamRam, located north of Marrakech. The system also includes several reservoirs with substantial storage capacities to ensure a continuous supply of potable water. Specifically, the project features a main charging reservoir of 10,000 cubic meters, along with several intermediate reservoirs. Once the water arrives near Marrakech, it will be distributed by gravity to various city networks, thereby minimizing the energy requirements associated with its transport.
A Sustainable Solution for Regional Water Challenges
Hicham El Haou, head of the drinking water works department at SRM Marrakech-Safi, asserts that this infrastructure represents a sustainable response to the regional water security challenges. Two strategic pipelines will simultaneously supply the RamRam reservoirs and those along the Ourika road, thus meeting the entire city's needs. Currently in its final phase, the construction site is set to enter the technical testing period soon. Project officials anticipate that the actual delivery of desalted water to Marrakech will occur before the end of July.
This project not only secures the water supply for the Ochre City but also signifies a shift towards utilizing non-conventional water resources in Morocco. It further underscores the increasing importance of seawater desalination within the national strategy for climate change adaptation and sustainable water resource management.
As reported by agrimaroc.ma.
