Faced with increasing pressure on its water resources, Morocco is relying on an ambitious national strategy: to create a true “water highway” network to rebalance distribution between surplus regions and areas in deficit. To date, 17 water transfer structures are already operational, according to a report published on the government platform “Maa Dialna.”
Among the key projects, the interconnection between the Sebou, Bouregreg, and Oum Er-Rbia basins stands out for its unprecedented scale and its crucial role in the Kingdom’s water security.
A royal project, serving everyone
Launched at the initiative of King Mohammed VI, this solidarity megaproject aims to transfer 1.2 billion m³ per year, to supply both large urban areas such as Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech, as well as agricultural zones like Doukkala, Beni Amrane, and Beni Moussa. It also helps to relieve overexploited aquifers, particularly in Berrechid.
The first phase, commissioned in August 2023, connected Sebou to Bouregreg through 66.5 km of canals and two pumping stations. The result: 600 million m³ transferred in one year, avoiding a supply crisis along the Rabat-Casablanca axis.
A multi-speed project
The second phase is underway. It aims to strengthen the existing interconnection, with a target of an additional 100 million m³ per year, before extending the network to Oum Er-Rbia via a 209.6 km section, built in public-private partnership (PPP). Technical studies are expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
Finally, the last phase will extend the network to the north of the country, connecting the Oued El Makhazine and Dar Khrofa dams. This extension will secure the water supply for the Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima region while consolidating hydraulic balance at the national level.
