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Doha – The sound of raindrops hitting the parched earth is a welcome symphony in Morocco, a country where water scarcity has long been a pressing concern. The recent robust rainfall has brought a glimmer of hope, with the average filling rate of Moroccan dams reaching 30% on Monday, according to data from the Ministry of Water and Equipment.
Water reservoirs now hold over 4.942 billion m³, with six dams reaching their maximum capacity and five others surpassing the 90% mark. This positive development is the result of a decades-long journey, a testament to Morocco’s unwavering commitment to ensuring water security through its visionary dam policy.
The origins of Morocco’s dam policy
To trace the roots of Morocco’s dam policy, one must go back to the early 20th century, during the French protectorate era. The French authorities, recognizing the challenges posed by the country’s semi-arid climate, initiated the construction of several dams, such as Sidi Said Maachou in 1929 and others on the Oued Maleh and Oued Laou rivers in the 1930s. By the 1940s, cities like Casablanca, Rabat, Tetouan, Ceuta, and Tanger were already benefiting from dam-supplied water.
However, it was after independence that Morocco’s dam policy truly took shape. On September 18, 1967, in a historic speech in Tangier, the late King Hassan II announced an ambitious goal of irrigating one million hectares by the year 2000, at a time when only 150,000 hectares were irrigated. This declaration marked the beginning of a massive dam construction program that would transform the country’s water landscape.
With the inauguration of the grand Al Wahda Dam in 1997, the dream of irrigating one million hectares became a reality.
The era of King Hassan II
Dam construction became a national priority under King Hassan II’s leadership. The late King, who was nicknamed “the Builder of Dams,” had a clear vision: to secure water supply for the growing population, support agricultural development, and protect against the vagaries of climate change. Throughout his reign, King Hassan II inaugurated numerous dams across the kingdom, personally cutting the ribbons and emphasizing their crucial role in safeguarding the nation.
The numbers speak for themselves. From just 13 dams at the time of independence in 1956, Morocco’s dam count soared to over 100 by the end of King Hassan II’s reign. The total storage capacity increased from 2 billion m³ to an impressive 15 billion m³.
In the 1980s, Morocco adopted a policy of building at least one dam every year. Thus, between 1981 and 1987 alone, 43 dams were put into operation in the regions of Al Hoceima, Agadir, Marrakech, Ifrane, Khenifra, and Bouarfa.
Iconic dams such as Moulay Youssef, Hassan Addakhil, Mansour Addahbi, Youssef Ben Tachfine, Idriss 1er, and Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah were constructed during this period, showcasing the King’s determination to harness the country’s water resources effectively.
King Hassan II’s dam policy was not just about infrastructure; it was a multifaceted approach that encompassed religious, strategic, economic, and environmental dimensions. In his speeches, the King often invoked Quranic verses related to water, emphasizing the importance of responsible water management and storage.
He famously quoted a verse from Surah Al-Hijr: “And We have sent the fertilizing winds and sent down water from the sky and given you drink from it. And you are not its retainers.” The King interpreted this verse as a divine command to store and manage water wisely.
The strategic importance of water was not lost on King Hassan II. He recognized that water could be a source of conflict between nations and that securing water resources was essential for Morocco’s independence and sovereignty. His dam policy became a pillar of the country’s strategic planning, ensuring water security in the face of an increasingly arid climate.
Economically, the dam policy revolutionized Morocco’s agricultural sector. The expansion of irrigated land, coupled with the introduction of high-value crops, significantly boosted agricultural productivity and contributed to the country’s food security. The dams also played a vital role in flood control, protecting crops and livelihoods from the devastating effects of floods.
In his book “The Memory of a King,” King Hassan II recounted a conversation about Algeria’s oil wealth. He stated, “While they (the Algerians) were exploiting oil, I was building dams. I knew that Algerian officials were whispering about me with sarcasm at the time, saying, ‘He is planting tomatoes while we are drilling oil wells.’”
The King added, “The events bear witness to what I say in my heart, and history, thank God, is not like that lady who needs grooming to look more beautiful. History always remains history, and it shows the strictly directed economy as it should, when it should, and where it should.”
King Hassan II’s dam policy also had significant environmental and ecological benefits. The dams protected many regions of Morocco from the dangers of floods and droughts, preserved various ecosystems and wildlife, and promoted eco-tourism. They even had a cooling effect on the surrounding areas, mitigating the impact of rising temperatures.
Challenges and triumphs
Implementing such an ambitious dam policy was not without its hurdles. Morocco faced financial constraints, particularly during the global economic crises of the 1970s and 1980s. However, King Hassan II’s resolute leadership ensured that dam construction continued, albeit at a slower pace. The benefits of the policy soon became evident as irrigated agricultural land expanded significantly, contributing to food security and economic growth.
The dam policy also had significant social implications. It provided employment opportunities during construction and through the establishment of new agricultural and industrial projects. The availability of water in previously water-scarce regions improved the living conditions of local communities and helped to bridge the urban-rural divide.
King Mohammed VI’s modern approach
Since ascending to the throne in 1999, King Mohammed VI has built upon the legacy of his father while adapting the dam policy to the challenges of the 21st century. Under his leadership, Morocco has continued to invest in dam construction, with several new dams inaugurated in recent years, such as the Hassan II Dam in Midelt in 2006, boasting a storage capacity of 400 million m³.
King Mohammed VI’s approach to water management extends beyond dam construction. He has emphasized the importance of integrated water resource management, promoting efficient irrigation techniques, wastewater treatment, and seawater desalination.
The King has also launched public awareness campaigns to encourage water conservation and responsible usage. Moreover, modern dam projects under his reign incorporate ecological considerations, such as the preservation of biodiversity and the mitigation of environmental impacts.
The road ahead
As Morocco faces the challenges of climate change and increasing water demand, the dam policy remains a cornerstone of its sustainable development strategy.
According to 2021 statistics from the Ministry of Equipment and Water, there are no less than 149 dams in Morocco. These dams cover almost the entire country, from north to south and from east to west.
Among them are the Al Massira Dam (2,760 million m³), Bin El Ouidane Dam (1,384 million m³), Idriss 1er Dam (1,186 million m³), Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah Dam (486 million m³), and Mohammed V Dam (410 million m³).
With this network and a total storage capacity surpassing 18.6 billion m³, the country is well-positioned to meet the water needs of its growing population and expanding economy.
However, the future of Morocco’s water security lies not only in dam construction but also in the adoption of innovative solutions and the promotion of a water-conscious culture. The government has recognized this and has launched initiatives to encourage the use of water-saving technologies, such as drip irrigation in agriculture and water-efficient fixtures in households and industries.
Furthermore, Morocco is actively exploring the potential of non-conventional water resources, such as treated wastewater and desalinated seawater, to augment its water supply and reduce its reliance on rainfall and traditional water sources.
The recent rainfall and the subsequent rise in dam filling rates serve as a reminder of the effectiveness of this policy. However, the work is far from over. As Morocco navigates the challenges posed by climate change and increasing water demand, it must remain steadfast in its pursuit of water security.
