Rtebat Dam Construction Reaches 50% Completion
As of May 15, 2026, the construction of the Rtebat Dam in the Taounate region has made remarkable progress, with approximately 50% of the project completed. This large-scale water infrastructure project is recognized as the second-largest dam in the Sebou watershed, following the Al-Wahda Dam. It is an integral part of the national program for the supply of drinking water and irrigation from 2020 to 2027, designed to enhance water security across the Kingdom of Morocco. The dam is anticipated to play a crucial role in securing water resources in the Fes-Meknes region, supporting agricultural activities, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Advanced Technical Specifications and Milestones Achieved
The Rtebat Dam is being constructed in the municipality of Wadka, spanning the Oulayi River, one of the main tributaries of the Oued Righ River. It boasts advanced technical specifications, with a height of roughly 100 meters and a volume of 22 million cubic meters of fill material, complemented by a concrete facade covering an area of approximately 26 hectares. Since the commencement of construction in March 2022, significant achievements have been recorded, including the placement of over 10.5 million cubic meters of fill for the main barrier, excavation works exceeding 6.55 million cubic meters, and more than 230,000 cubic meters of concrete poured. The progress rates stand at 45% for the main barrier, 98% for the load discharge structure, and 82% for the access road to the dam, despite the technical challenges posed by the complex terrain and geological characteristics of the site.
Furthermore, the dam's reservoir, which will exceed one billion cubic meters, is expected to begin filling by the end of 2028, a full year ahead of the previously scheduled timeline. This accelerated progress can be attributed to a series of exceptional measures implemented to enhance the efficiency of the construction process.
It is noteworthy that all phases of this project are being executed by Moroccan professionals, showcasing national expertise in the construction of dams and water infrastructure. The Rtebat Dam is expected to fulfill multiple roles, including enhancing drinking water supplies, generating hydroelectric power, regulating the waters of the Sebou River towards the Abir River, and reducing flood risks threatening the Gharb Plain.
The Rtebat Dam establishes itself as a pivotal infrastructure project, not only due to its technical dimensions and storage capacity but also because of its anticipated impact on the water and economic balances in the Fes-Meknes region. It aims to support agriculture, improve living conditions, and stimulate local investment within a framework that necessitates mobilizing all resources to tackle water stress and ensure water sustainability for future generations.
As reported by maadialna.ma.
