SRM Fès-Meknès: 20 Million DH to Secure Drinking Water
New Roadmap for Water Supply in the Fès-Meknès Region
The Fès-Meknès Multiservice Regional Company (SRM-FM) is preparing a new roadmap to anticipate the needs for drinking water and enhance supply security in the region. With a budget of 20 million dirhams, the study will identify the necessary investments to meet the growing demand, modernize infrastructure, and mitigate the risk of shortages up to the year 2045.
This initiative arises against a backdrop characterized by population growth, urban expansion, and increased water stress. The aim is to establish long-term planning for the region while pinpointing priority interventions that will improve service continuity and safeguard available resources.
A Study Covering Nine Prefectures and Provinces
The scope of the study includes the prefectures of Fès and Meknès, along with the provinces of Moulay Yacoub, Sefrou, Taza, Taounate, El Hajeb, Ifrane, and Boulemane. This territorial coverage is designed to assess the needs of urban centers and rural municipalities, particularly those that currently lack sufficient access to drinking water networks.
The first step will involve conducting a diagnostic assessment of the existing infrastructure. The SRM-FM will need to create an inventory of the hydraulic assets, evaluate the capacities of the networks, and update consumption projections by considering population growth, urbanization, and the demands of various economic activities.
This work aims to identify the shortcomings of the current system and determine the necessary adjustments to support the region’s development.
An Emergency Plan Starting in 2027 with a Vision for 2045
The roadmap will be structured around several timelines to address immediate needs and long-term investments. An initial emergency plan will cover the period from 2027 to 2029, followed by a second phase that will plan for needs projected up to 2035, and finally outline strategic directions for 2045.
This approach will help SRM-FM prioritize projects based on their urgency, cost, and contribution to securing the supply.
Sectors most exposed to shortages will receive special attention. Proposed solutions will need to consider the availability of water resources, the vulnerability of installations, and the implications of climate change on water management.
Reducing Leaks and Strengthening Network Resilience
Reducing water loss is another crucial facet of this initiative. The study will identify leaks, breaks, and the most vulnerable sections of the network to better focus rehabilitation efforts and enhance the performance of existing infrastructure.
The SRM-FM also plans to model the main distribution network, from intake points to reservoirs. This analysis will assess the capacities of main pipelines, the performance of the distribution system, and identify potential bottlenecks.
The modeling will also incorporate crisis scenarios, such as a pipeline rupture or a failure in a production facility. The goal is to evaluate the network’s ability to maintain supply and mitigate the effects of a major incident.
Interconnections and Expanding Rural Services
Among the options to be explored are interconnections between networks, expanding service to underserviced areas, particularly in rural settings, and optimizing the operation of existing infrastructure.
Managing pressure within the pipelines will also be a technical priority to alleviate constraints on the networks and reduce the risk of deterioration.
The chosen solutions must be tailored to local needs and available resources. They will be part of a prioritized and budgeted investment program, which may include pipeline renewal, infrastructure modernization, and better infrastructure sharing.
A Strategic Challenge for Regional Water Security
Through this study, SRM-FM aims to better anticipate the evolution of drinking water demand and prepare infrastructure for the challenges of the coming decades. The success of this initiative will depend on the ability to translate technical diagnostics into concrete projects, prioritize investments, and sustainably improve network efficiencies.
For Fès-Meknès, the challenge goes beyond simply increasing supply capacity. It is also about reducing losses, improving access to water in underserved areas, and bolstering the resilience of public services against water stress.
With planning extending from 2027 to 2045, the region seeks to embed drinking water management within a long-term strategy that balances urgent needs, territorial development, and sustainable resource security.
