The level of reservoir storage in dams as of December 6 amounts to approximately 4.90 billion cubic meters, representing a filling rate of 29.13%, compared to 23.70% recorded during the same period last year, according to Nizar Baraka, the Minister of Equipment and Water, on Monday.
Responding to an oral question about water management and sustainability, the minister stated that the national average rainfall from September 1 to December 6 was 50 mm (1.97 inches), compared to 27.3 mm (1.08 inches) during the same period last year, marking an 83.15% increase.
The minister emphasized that in addition to securing potable water supplies for cities and urban centers, water quotas have been allocated for irrigation in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture.
A total of 1,066 million cubic meters of water has been allocated for irrigation in 2024, accounting for 60% of the annual supply from reservoirs, while 40% is dedicated to potable water supply.
Regarding measures to ensure the sustainability of water resources, the minister highlighted that master plans for the integrated development of water resources have been developed and approved at the territorial levels of hydraulic basin agencies.
He noted that the National Water Plan (PNE) is being updated to define the sector’s vision for the next 30 years, in line with Royal Directives, recommendations of the new development model, and basin water plans.
In this context, he reviewed ongoing projects, including the initiation of filling five new dams (M’dez Dam, Fask Dam, Agdez Dam, Toudgha Dam, and Tiddas Dam), efforts to increase network efficiency to 80% by 2030, and hydraulic basin interconnection projects.
Baraka also assured that the final phases of the Sebou-Bouregreg-Oum Er Rbia basin interconnection project will be completed, along with the Sebou-Oued Laou basin interconnection project. Additionally, 17 major dams are under construction to add to the 154 existing large dams.
Regarding seawater desalination, the minister indicated that 16 plants have been completed, five are under construction, and many more are planned. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to significantly increase the reuse of treated wastewater.
For measures aimed at ensuring potable water supply in rural and underserved areas, he pointed out that an urgent and complementary program involves the acquisition of 582 water trucks and 4,400 tanks at a cost of 471 million dirhams, to be distributed across 75 provinces and prefectures by the Ministry of the Interior.
