Strategic Initiative to Enhance Water Supply
Morocco is embarking on an ambitious new phase of its extensive water highway project, designed to facilitate the transfer of water between various river basins and effectively channel supplies from regions with abundant resources to those grappling with increasing water shortages. This initiative, as outlined by the Ministry of Equipment and Water, aims to connect the Sebou and Oum Er-Rbia basins over a distance of approximately 300 kilometers. The system is engineered to transport nearly 800 million cubic meters of water each year, significantly bolstering drinking water availability in Settat, Berrechid, and areas south of Casablanca. Additionally, it is expected to enhance agricultural productivity within the Oum Er-Rbia basin, securing irrigation for an estimated 176,000 hectares of farmland.
This forthcoming phase builds upon the initial stage of Morocco’s inter-basin water transfer network, which commenced operations in October 2023. The inaugural 67-kilometer segment of this system successfully moves surplus water from the Al Wahda Dam in the Sebou basin to the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah Dam in the Bouregreg basin. By the end of December 2025, this first phase had successfully transferred over 953 million cubic meters of water, thus strengthening water supplies along the vital Rabat-Casablanca corridor, which serves approximately 12 million residents. This effort also alleviates pressure on the Al Massira Dam and forms a critical part of Morocco’s broader national strategy for drinking water and irrigation, representing an investment exceeding 130 billion dirhams.
Complementary Desalination Efforts
In tandem with the water transfer initiatives, Morocco is ramping up its seawater desalination efforts as a crucial element of its comprehensive water security strategy. The nation aims to elevate its desalination capacity to about 1.7 billion cubic meters annually by the year 2030. Three significant desalination plants located in Dakhla, Safi, and Greater Casablanca are projected to become operational in the near future. Furthermore, the government is focused on enhancing dam storage capabilities, with ongoing constructions expected to boost national storage capacity to approximately 22 billion cubic meters. Plans for additional desalination facilities powered by renewable energy are underway across regions such as Oriental, Souss-Massa, Tangier, Guelmim, Tan-Tan, and Rabat, with a target completion date between 2029 and 2030.
Beyond the introduction of new water supplies, Morocco’s strategy encompasses the expansion of treated wastewater reuse, the enhancement of water efficiency, and the reduction of losses within distribution networks. The government is also committed to fostering a robust domestic desalination industry by amplifying local manufacturing, technical skills, and expertise. This multifaceted approach is designed to bolster Morocco’s water sovereignty as the country confronts recurring droughts, population growth, urbanization, and escalating demands from both agriculture and industry.
As reported by pumps-africa.com.
