Doubling Storage Capacity: From 1979 to 2025

Morocco has significantly enhanced its water management strategy through the construction and expansion of dams over the last fifty years, establishing them as a fundamental component of its water policy. According to the Ministry of Equipment and Water, the overall storage capacity of the country’s dams has increased dramatically, rising from 9.5 billion cubic meters in 1979 to an impressive 20.8 billion cubic meters by 2025. This remarkable growth reflects not only an increase in the volume of water stored but also a substantial rise in the number of dams, which surged from 26 in 1979 to a staggering 156 by 2025.

Significant Milestones in Dam Construction

The trajectory of Morocco’s dam construction has been marked by several pivotal milestones. By 1985, the storage capacity had reached 9.8 billion cubic meters, progressing to 10 billion in 1990 and 11 billion in 1995. The pace of growth accelerated significantly in the following years; by 2004, the capacity surged to 16.2 billion cubic meters, a gain of over 5 billion cubic meters in less than a decade. This upward trend continued, with capacities of 17.7 billion in 2014, 18.6 billion in 2020, and further increments leading to an estimated 19.9 billion cubic meters in 2022 and 20 billion in 2024.

The number of dams has mirrored this upward trend, with the total count escalating from 26 in 1979 to 39 in 1985, 68 in 1990, and 89 in 1995. The early 2000s saw the count exceed 100, and as of 2025, Morocco boasts 156 operational dams. Looking ahead, the government has ambitious plans to construct at least 42 new large dams by 2050, which will include the elevation of several existing structures to enhance their capacity and efficiency.

In addition to large-scale dams, Morocco is diversifying its water resources in response to recurrent drought cycles, focusing on seawater desalination and the development of water highways. The ongoing construction of four medium-sized dams is a testament to this proactive approach, alongside a program to build 155 small dams between 2022 and 2027, which is already seeing substantial progress with 12 completed, 45 under construction, and further plans for 2026 and 2027.

As reported by fr.le360.ma.