Dakhla: The Seawater Desalination Project Reaches 97% Completion
Desalination Project in Dakhla Nears Completion
The seawater desalination project in Dakhla is approaching its conclusion, with the desalination plant currently at 97% completion and the irrigation network reaching 99%. The wind farm designed to power the entire system is already completed.
This ambitious project, with an investment of 2.6 billion dirhams, is part of the new development model for the Southern Provinces. Located in the commune of Bir Anzarane, it was initiated by King Mohammed VI in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Green March.
The initiative is structured around three main components: a desalination plant, a wind farm with a capacity of 60 megawatts, and an irrigation network consisting of 130 kilometers of pipelines.
Once operational, the facility is expected to produce nearly 37 million cubic meters of water annually, equating to approximately 100,000 cubic meters per day. Of this total, 30 million cubic meters will be dedicated to agricultural irrigation, while 7 million will be allocated for drinking water supply, particularly to meet the needs of the future Dakhla Atlantique port.
The project will enable the irrigation of an agricultural area spanning 5,000 hectares, while also reducing reliance on groundwater and alleviating pressure on the region’s water resources.
500,000 Tons of Produce and 30,000 Expected Jobs
In addition to enhancing water security, the project is anticipated to generate significant economic benefits. The Ministry of Agriculture projects an annual output of around 500,000 tons of fresh produce, the creation of 30,000 permanent jobs, and a value-added exceeding one billion dirhams.
A funding plan for 100 small agricultural projects has also been established to benefit the youth in the region. Each project will cover an area between 5 and 10 hectares and will receive technical support.
On October 30, the Minister of Agriculture and Maritime Fisheries, Khalid Hatami, visited the construction site alongside the wali of the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region and the governor of the Oued Eddahab province. This visit focused on monitoring the progress of the works and engaging with private investors who have been allocated land within the irrigated perimeter, discussing the challenges faced and the prospects for agricultural investment development in the region.
