Introduction to Morocco's Water Highway Project
Morocco is embarking on a transformative infrastructure initiative, presenting plans for a 300-kilometer water highway that aims to enhance water security across the nation. This monumental project will facilitate the transfer of water between the Sebou and Oum Rabia basins, effectively addressing the disparities in water availability that affect various regions of the country. The proposed system will utilize a robust steel pipeline with a diameter of 3.20 meters, designed to transport an impressive 800 million cubic meters of water annually. This undertaking is part of Morocco's broader strategy to secure its water resources amidst growing challenges posed by climate change and population growth.
Strategic Importance and Benefits of the Project
The newly proposed water highway is a significant component of Morocco's National Program for Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation, which comes with an investment budget exceeding 130 billion dirhams. The project is poised to deliver potable water to key areas, including Settat, Berrechid, and southern Casablanca, while also ensuring the irrigation of approximately 176,000 hectares of arable land in the Oum Rabia basin. This infrastructure development will significantly bolster agricultural productivity and resilience against drought conditions, which have been increasingly prevalent in recent years.
Following the success of the first phase of the water highway project, which has already connected the Sebou basin to the Bouregreg basin through a 66.7-kilometer aqueduct system, the Moroccan government is eager to proceed with this second phase. The initial phase, operational since August 2023, successfully transported 484 million cubic meters of water, ensuring a reliable supply for Rabat, Casablanca, and surrounding municipalities during periods of water stress.
Furthermore, a third phase is anticipated, which will extend the project towards the El Massira dam, the country's largest reservoir dedicated to drinking water and irrigation. This future enhancement is expected to increase the total water capacity transferred through the system to 1.2 billion cubic meters annually, further solidifying Morocco's commitment to sustainable water management.
This ambitious initiative is being executed through a public-private partnership, reflecting a strategic decision to interconnect various reservoirs and enhance water security in light of rapid urbanization and demographic growth. Experts laud this project as a proactive measure in ensuring equitable water distribution across Morocco’s diverse regions.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
