The Moroccan Minister of Equipment and Water recently stated that the Moroccan government has adopted a national priority plan for the supply of drinking water and irrigation from 2020 to 2027 with an investment of 115 billion dirhams (approximately US$12 billion). Among its goals, it includes (1) increasing water supply through the construction of new dams, (2) better management of water demand and water valuation, especially in agriculture, (3) strengthening of drinking water supply in rural areas, (4) Use recycled wastewater for green land irrigation, and (5) raise awareness of the importance of protecting water resources and rationally using water resources.

In addition, according to the Royal Guidelines on the Agricultural Water Saving Plan, the total budget is AED 14.7 billion (approximately US$ 14.4 billion) for irrigation water supply, covering 510,000 hectares and benefiting 160,000 people. It stated that in accordance with the requirements of Morocco’s new development model and government planning, in 2022, the department intends to complete the Agdez Dam in Zagora Province, the Tidas Dam in Hemisette Province, and Sakiya Ham. Pull dam construction work and continue to promote large-scale dam projects. Currently, the construction of 12 large dams in the provinces of Guelmim, AlHoceima, Taaunate, Chichaoua, Driouch, Taroudant, Taourirt, AlHaouz, Taaunate, SidiKacem, Guercif and Sefrou is still continuing.

It is worth noting that Morocco is giving priority to export irrigation. For a water-scarce country, the export of its agricultural products means exporting part of the much-needed water. In addition, the construction of Imfout Dam in Setat Province, Oued Lakhdar Dam in Azilal Province and Taghzirt Dam in Beni Province will also begin. The ministry will also initiate tenders for the Melal and KhengGrou dams in Figuig province and the Tamri dam in Agadir province. In terms of seawater desalination, the Ministry will study the completion of a 300 million cubic meter annual production plant project in Casablanca, and initiate a feasibility study on the construction of a new desalination station in Safi City. Editor/Xu Shengpeng