In recent years, Morocco has taken significant steps to strengthen its water resources, notably by developing seawater desalination plants. These essential infrastructures not only meet immediate water needs, but also lay the foundations for sustainable water management in the face of growing challenges linked to climate change and population growth.
Said Temsamani, analyst, policy advisor and member of the Washington Press Club, notes in Al-Arab that under the leadership of the King of Morocco Mohammed VI, Rabat’s commitment to strengthening water security has become “clear and unequivocal”.
During the last session of the Consultative Council, the Moroccan Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, confirmed that the country’s water desalination capacity currently stands at 192 million cubic metersof which more than 80 million cubic meters are intended for drinking water.
The technology and resources invested in water desalination have been decisive. These efforts have led to the creation of two large factories in Agadir and Al Hoceimawhich mark an important step in the Moroccan national drinking water supply and irrigation program 2020-2027.
These facilities not only power urban centers, but also boost agricultural activities, which is crucial for sustainability across the country.
The Agadir desalination plant, which became operational at the beginning of 2022, represents Morocco’s proactive approach to water scarcity. It was commissioned under urgent circumstances and has proven to be vital for the city’s residents, ensuring a reliable supply of drinking water.
Looking ahead, ambitious plans are being developed to increase desalination capacity. Casablanca’s next mega-plant, scheduled to come online in 2026, promises to significantly increase daily water production. This project also strengthens Morocco’s position as a regional leader in the field of water management.
Furthermore, Morocco’s commitment in this sector goes beyond infrastructure development. It is a comprehensive approach that combines technological innovation with environmental management and social justice. By prioritizing water security through desalination, Morocco is also setting an example for other countries facing similar water shortage problems..
Minister Baraka recently launched the first phase of a public awareness campaign on water conservation. This initiative is fundamental to promote a culture of responsible water use, ensuring that every drop is valued and preserved.
In addition, Baraka presented several urgent measures for this summer, notably the acceleration of the construction of dams and the purchase of 204 mobile salt water desalination unitsin cooperation with the Ministry of Interior. The Moroccan minister also stressed the importance of domestic production, saying that meetings with industry stakeholders are essential to ensure adequate water supply.
Morocco’s path to ensuring water security through seawater desalination is a clear example of proactive governance based on sustainable development. By harnessing technological advances and embracing renewable energy, Morocco is not only securing its future, but also reaffirms its commitment to global sustainability goals.
However, despite Morocco’s efforts to combat drought, these remain insufficient, which prompted Rabat to activate an emergency plan to support the national plan in the short and medium term.
This plan includes a series of short-term measures, including the optimal mobilization of resources at existing dams, wells and desalination plants, the establishment of emergency teams for transport and water supply , and restriction of the use of irrigation water.
In parallel, the pace of completion of planned projects with medium-term impact will be acceleratednotably the dams under construction, the link projects between the Sebou, Bouregreg and Oum Er-Rbia basins, the national program of seawater desalination stations and the treated wastewater reuse program .
Faced with the growing demand for water, due to the development of industrial activity and the agricultural sectorthe Moroccan authorities urged the sectors and organizations concerned to redouble their vigilance and efforts to meet the challenge of water security and guarantee the supply of drinking water to all regions of the Kingdom.
The need for transparent and regular communication with citizens on the evolution of the water situation and the urgent measures to be taken was also stressed, while developing awareness campaigns on the importance of saving water and combating all forms of waste and misuse.
Morocco’s water needs are estimated at more than 16 billion cubic meters per year, of which 87% is intended for agricultural consumption. However, water resources have not exceeded five million cubic meters per year over the past five years.
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