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Rabat – The Jorf Lasfar seawater desalination plant, operated by Morocco’s OCP Group, is scaling up its production to combat water scarcity in the region, especially in El Jadida and nearby areas. Established in 2015, the plant initially had a capacity of 25 million cubic meters (Mm3) per year.
However, in response to increasing demand, the facility expanded its output to 45 Mm3 annually by 2022, thanks to the National Program for Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation (PNAEPI 20-27).
This expansion was achieved in two phases, with an additional 15 Mm3 per year added initially, followed by a boost to 45 Mm3. Of this, 30 Mm3 is designated to supply drinking water to El Jadida and surrounding communities.
The plant, one of Morocco’s largest, is now on track to reach a production capacity of 300 Mm3 by 2026, a move aligned with King Mohammed VI’s directives to mitigate water stress across the nation.
Otmane Abousselham, head of production at OCP Green Water, underscored the importance of this project. The company, a joint effort between OCP and the Ministry of the Interior was created to support Morocco’s strategy against water scarcity.
The Jorf Lasfar plant initially focused on meeting the industrial complex’s water needs, and by February 2024, it was fully supplying El Jadida’s drinking water requirements.
Ongoing expansions aim to increase the plant’s output to serve southern Casablanca with 60 Mm3/year by September. Construction for this phase began in April, and new extensions are planned to extend the supply to cities like Khouribga.
Zakaria Hour, an engineer from the Regional Agricultural Development Office (ORMVA) of Doukkala, emphasized the collaborative effort to enhance water distribution infrastructure.
A new pumping station, equipped with five pumps, will begin operations this September, initially supplying 1,000 liters per second to the Casablanca-Settat region. The pipeline network, already partially operational, further strengthens the region’s water security.
Morocco, under King Mohammed VI’s leadership, is committed to ensuring a reliable water supply for its population. This includes constructing additional desalination plants and continuing to expand existing facilities, like Jorf Lasfar, to meet the growing demand for potable water.
