Water in Morocco: 42 Major Dams Planned by 2050 to Strengthen Water Security
Morocco’s Ambitious Water Infrastructure Development Amid Climate Change Challenges
In response to the growing challenges of climate change and water stress, Morocco is accelerating the development of its hydraulic infrastructure. The Kingdom plans to construct 42 major dams by 2050 to sustainably enhance its storage capacity and secure its water supply.
According to data from the Ministry of Equipment and Water, eight major dams have already been commissioned since 2021, adding nearly 1.89 billion cubic meters of storage capacity. These structures are instrumental in improving access to drinking water, supporting agricultural irrigation, and bolstering the resilience of regions during drought periods.
Simultaneously, fourteen major dams are currently under construction across various regions of the Kingdom. These strategic projects are expected to significantly increase national water reserves, raising the overall storage capacity to nearly 27 billion cubic meters in the coming years.
However, Morocco’s strategy is not solely reliant on dams. The country is also pursuing the development of seawater desalination plants, projects for interconnecting hydraulic basins, and programs for the reuse of treated wastewater. This comprehensive approach aims to diversify supply sources and better address climate variability.
In addition to large-scale projects, Morocco is implementing an extensive program for small dams. Out of the 155 infrastructures planned between 2022 and 2027, several have already been completed, while many others are either under construction or scheduled to begin soon.
This ambitious policy underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening its water sovereignty and ensuring the availability of water for its population, agriculture, and economic activities amidst significant pressure on natural resources.
