Confronted with prolonged drought for more than seven years, Morocco is implementing an unprecedented water strategy to address one of the most severe episodes in its contemporary history. Before the House of Representatives, the Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, presented an ambitious roadmap aimed at ensuring the country’s water security, amid a structural deficit exacerbated by climate change.
The current filling rate of national dams stands at 31.6%, compared to 29% during the same period last year— a level deemed concerning despite a slight improvement.
“The government’s top priority is to accelerate the construction of major hydraulic infrastructures,” Mr. Baraka stated, noting that 14 large dams and six medium-sized dams are under construction, while two new projects will be launched soon. By 2027, an additional 155 small dams are expected to be completed to enhance the resilience of the most vulnerable areas.
Among the flagship projects is the inter-basin transfer project between the Bouregreg and Oum Er-Rbia, set to launch in December 2025. This system will transport 800 million cubic meters of water to secure supply for several central provinces, including El Jadida and Sidi Bennour.
This project illustrates Morocco’s commitment to correcting regional water imbalances by connecting areas with excess water to those facing chronic shortages. It represents a key step in the National Water Plan 2020–2050, which aims to guarantee equitable and sustainable access to water resources across the territory.
Desalination of seawater is central to the national strategy. The production of desalinated water, which has increased from 32 million to 320 million cubic meters in just a few years, is expected to reach 520 million cubic meters, and then 1.7 billion cubic meters by 2030.
New desalination plants are being prepared in the Oriental, Souss, and Guelmim regions. The Souss station, with a capacity of 350 million cubic meters, will provide both drinking water and irrigation water, helping to reduce pressure on surface water resources.
The minister also emphasized the importance of aquifer contracts signed to regulate the exploitation of underground water in critical regions such as Saïss, Boudenib, Zagora, and Berrechid. These contracts aim to establish participatory governance and curb the overexploitation of groundwater.
