Rabat – Morocco’s Minister of Equipment Nizar Baraka said that 45 dams, both large and small, are under construction across the country as part of the Moroccan government’s policy of water security and sustainable development.
“The policy aims for a sustainable and integrated development of water resources, taking into account current and future challenges and needs as well as the possible impact of climate change on our country,” the minister said on Monday.
Baraka said Morocco now has 149 large dams with a total reservoir capacity of 19.3 billion cubic meters and 136 small dams to support local development.
The minister said that 15 other large dams with a total reservoir capacity of over 4.3 billion cubic meters and 30 smaller dams are currently under construction.
The Ministry of Water Equipment is “working on the revision and enrichment of the final version of the national water plan in the light of the recommendations of the country’s new development model in a participatory framework with the departments concerned,” he explained.
Citing Morocco’s recent achievements in terms of water management, Baraka recalled the completion of the renovation of a drinking water supply pipe in the city of Safi.
The dam project in the Safi water supply covers a distance of 4.5 kilometers, and includes the development of rivers to protect some town centers in Safi, Azilal, Khenifra, Oualidia, Sidi Bennir, and El Jadida against floods.
The official also cited the continuation of groundwater prospecting projects, particularly in remote areas to address deficits recorded in several areas.a
