Hydraulic infrastructure: Work continues on 14 large dams

The construction of 155 small dams is planned over the 2022-2027 period, for a total investment of 6.2 billion dirhams. Strengthening: Morocco continues to strengthen its hydraulic infrastructure through the construction and raising of 14 large dams, mobilising more than 29 billion DH, for a total storage capacity of 5.038 billion m³. In parallel, a study is planned to examine the possibilities of interconnection between the dams and sub-basins of the Sebou in order to strengthen the resources of the Idriss Ier dam. Morocco continues its strategy of implementing its national programme for strengthening hydraulic infrastructure, through the construction and raising of 14 large dams, mobilising investments of more than 29 billion dirhams. These projects should bring, as specified by the supervisory ministry, the total storage capacity to 5.038 billion cubic metres. As the same source explains, their progress varies according to the sites, as part of efforts to strengthen the mobilisation of water resources and increase the storage capacities of dams in the various regions of the Kingdom. Progress status Among the most advanced projects, the Sidi Abou dam, in the Taounate province, shows a completion rate of 100%, for a storage capacity of 200 million cubic metres. The works of the Aït Ziat dam, in the Al Haouz province, are also 100% completed. With a capacity of 185 million cubic metres, its commissioning is planned for 2027. In the Driouch province, the Beni Azimane dam reaches a progress rate of 98%, for a capacity of 44 million cubic metres. The completion of the project is expected at the end of 2026. According to the same source, work is also continuing on several other sites. The Targa Oumadi dam, in the Jerada province, shows a progress rate of 90%, for a capacity of 287 million cubic metres. That of the Oued El Khdar dam, in the Azilal province, reaches 86%, for a capacity of 150 million cubic metres. In the Taroudant province, the raising works of the Mokhtar Soussi dam show a progress rate of 83.5%. This operation aims to bring its storage capacity to approximately 280 million cubic metres. The completion of these projects is scheduled for 2027. In the Chichaoua province, the Boulaouane dam shows a completion rate of 81%, for a storage capacity of 66 million cubic metres and an investment of 1.356 billion dirhams. For its part, the raising of the Mohammed V dam, in the Taourirt province, reaches a progress rate of 77%, with a target capacity of 980 million cubic metres. As for the Kheng Grou dam, in the Figuig province, its completion rate stands at 78%, for a forecast capacity of 1.07 billion cubic metres. The completion of these various projects is planned for 2027. The programme also includes the Tamri dam, in the Agadir region, whose completion rate reaches 39.5%. With a capacity of 204 million cubic metres, its commissioning is planned for 2029, after a reduction of 33 months from the duration initially planned for its construction. In the Taounate province, the works of the Ratba dam show a progress rate of 55%, for a forecast storage capacity of 1.9 billion cubic metres. Its completion is expected in 2030. The Ribat El Kheir dam, in the Sefrou province, reaches for its part a completion rate of 26%, for a capacity of 124 million cubic metres. In the Chefchaouen province, the Bou Ahmed dam shows a progress rate of 1%, for a capacity of 95 million cubic metres. As for the project to raise the Imfout dam, in the Settat province, it is still in its early stages. Its target capacity is 146 million cubic metres. In parallel with these sites, nine large dams have been completed, representing a total storage capacity of 2 billion cubic metres. These are the Kaddoussa, Tiddas, Todgha, Agdez, Fask, M'Dez, Koudiat El Berna, Ghiss, and Sakia El Hamra dams, the latter having been the subject of reconstruction works. As the same source explains, the first filling operations have also been launched at four other dams, namely Tamri, Aït Ziat, Sidi Abou, and Beni Azimane, as part of the progressive strengthening of national water storage capacities. The national programme also extends to small and medium dams. The construction of 155 small dams is planned over the 2022-2027 period, for a total investment of 6.2 billion dirhams. To date, the works of 16 small dams are completed, while 15 others are under construction. The launch of 30 additional calls for tenders is scheduled before the end of 2026, specifies the supervisory ministry. At the same time, work is continuing on four medium-sized dams, for an investment of around 1.9 billion dirhams. These projects concern the Aïn El Kassab dams in Benslimane, Tassa Wirgane in the Al Haouz province, Massalit in Tata, and Sidi Yacoub in Tiznit. Other projects are also in preparation in the provinces of Khénifra, Figuig, and Ouezzane. By launching these investments, Morocco continues the development of its hydraulic infrastructure in order to improve the mobilisation and storage of water resources and strengthen national water security. Hydraulic interconnections The Sebou Hydraulic Basin Agency is preparing to launch a new study aimed at evaluating the possibilities and feasibility of interconnections between the basin's water resources, reports the same ministry. It is a question of examining the means of connecting several dams and sub-watersheds in order to improve the management of water resources and optimise their exploitation. This study will notably focus on the possibility of establishing a hydraulic interconnection between the Sahla and Bouhouda dams, as well as on the prospects for linking the sub-basins of the Ouerrha, Lebn, and Inaouen wadis. These operations aim to strengthen the water resources of the Idriss Ier dam. The study work will make it possible to identify the technical solutions adapted to the realisation of the envisaged interconnections, while evaluating their economic profitability and their environmental impacts. This approach should make it possible to determine the most appropriate options for improving the management of water resources at the basin level. This project will also rely on simulation models of water resources, dam management, and the various water uses. These tools will make it possible to analyse the available possibilities and evaluate the effects of the proposed interconnections on the distribution and use of water resources. Particular attention will be paid to the effects of climate change on the water resources of the Sebou basin. This project is part of the efforts of the Sebou Hydraulic Basin Agency aimed at developing integrated water resource management mechanisms and strengthening coordination between the various components of the basin's hydraulic system. It thus aims to promote optimal use of water and contribute to strengthening water security. Receive the latest news from Aujourd'hui Le Maroc directly on WhatsApp