In the heart of Morocco, approximately 40 kilometers from the rural commune of Beni Tadjite in the Figuig province, the Kheng Grou dam is on the brink of completing its construction, showcasing a remarkable progress rate of 91%. This monumental project, which has garnered an investment of about 1.2 billion dirhams, is set to become operational by the end of December 2026 and will be officially completed by March 2027. Once finished, the dam will stand as the fifth largest storage facility in Morocco, capable of holding an impressive volume of 1.07 billion cubic meters of water.
According to Moulay El Hassan Faiq, the project manager from the Hydraulic Engineering Directorate of the Ministry of Equipment and Water, the remaining tasks primarily involve the installation of 10,000 cubic meters of roller-compacted concrete on the right bank at the dam's crest, along with the finalization of downstream electromechanical equipment and related bottom drainage works. This infrastructure is crucial as it is designed to harness rainfall and river floods, facilitating the collection of water that can be utilized to meet local needs, especially during drought conditions.
Beyond its impressive storage capacity, the Kheng Grou dam plays a pivotal role in enhancing the irrigation capabilities within the region. The area of irrigated land downstream from the dam is expected to expand significantly from 413 to an astounding 4,300 hectares. This increase is anticipated to raise agricultural water supply from 5 to 30 million cubic meters annually, which will greatly benefit local farmers and promote agricultural sustainability in the region. Furthermore, it will contribute to securing potable water supplies for over 7,500 residents living downstream, alongside aiding groundwater recharge, a critical aspect for maintaining water resources in Figuig.
The construction of the dam has also fostered local economic development. It has generated approximately 400,000 man-days of work, empowering the local workforce and enhancing skills in public works, particularly in dam construction. The newly developed road linking Beni Tadjite to the dam is expected to facilitate mobility and connectivity for local populations, potentially spurring economic and tourism-related activities in the area.
With its strategic importance in securing water resources and bolstering agricultural productivity, the Kheng Grou dam is poised to become a cornerstone of water management in the Figuig province. Its operationalization will not only help combat the challenges posed by climate variability but also contribute to the overall economic and social development of the region, aligning with the national water supply and irrigation program initiated by His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
