Transforming the Souss-Massa Region
The Tamri Dam, located north of Agadir, is nearing completion with approximately 90% of the construction finished. Remarkably, this monumental project is set to be delivered nearly 33 months ahead of its original timeline, which scheduled completion for 2029. Initiated in August 2022 with an investment of 2.7 billion dirhams, the dam is poised to significantly transform the region by enhancing the supply of potable water, improving irrigation, providing flood protection, and opening up new avenues for eco-tourism.
A Multifunctional Infrastructure
Standing at 75 meters tall and stretching 460 meters in length, the Tamri Dam is designed as one of the key water infrastructure projects in the Souss-Massa region. Its impressive storage capacity is projected to enable an annual water supply of approximately 63 million cubic meters, facilitating multiple uses simultaneously. This versatility sets the Tamri Dam apart from many other dams that serve a singular purpose. It will not only supply drinking water to local populations but also support the irrigation of surrounding agricultural lands and act as a protective barrier against recurrent flooding, a common hazard in this area.
Funded as part of the National Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation Program for 2020-2027, which is a cornerstone of Morocco's water policy, the project's financial outlay of 2.7 billion dirhams is substantial. However, the socioeconomic benefits it generates far exceed the mere provision of water. Since the project's inception, it has created nearly 600,000 workdays, providing employment opportunities for numerous families in the region. This figure starkly illustrates how significant public infrastructure projects can stimulate local economies even before they begin to deliver their primary resource: water.
Moreover, the Tamri Dam also presents an unexpected potential for eco-tourism. The future reservoir, set against a backdrop of preserved natural landscapes near Agadir, could emerge as a vital component in diversifying the region's tourism offerings, which have traditionally focused heavily on coastal attractions. Activities such as hiking, wildlife observation, and gentle water sports are just a few of the possibilities that local tourism stakeholders are beginning to explore.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
