Beni Mellal-Khenifra Strengthens Its Water Security Through Major Dam Projects
Beni Mellal-Khenifra continues to implement an ambitious water development program as part of the National Drinking Water Supply and Irrigation Program 2020-2027, launched by His Majesty King Mohammed VI. This initiative aims to ensure sustainable management of water resources, support agricultural and energy development, and enhance resilience against climate change impacts.
Major Projects Underway
The Ouid Al-Akhdar Dam in Azilal Province, with a capacity of 150 million cubic meters (50% completed), and the Taghzirt Dam on the Drenna River in Beni Mellal Province, with a capacity of 86 million cubic meters, are key elements of this dynamism. These facilities will provide a total storage capacity of 236 million cubic meters, enhancing both water and energy security in the region.
Small Dams and Reservoirs
In addition to these large projects, the construction of 12 small dams and the rehabilitation of 10 others have been planned, with a total budget of 657 million dirhams. These projects aim at irrigation, supplying water for livestock, recharging aquifers, and flood protection. Among the notable ones are:
- Kikou Dam (Foum Oudi – Beni Mellal, 1.75 million m³) dedicated to irrigation and flood protection.
- Sidi Saleh Dam (Smeqt – Beni Mellal, 0.52 million m³) for drinking water supply and irrigation.
- Ait Moussa Dam (Shukran – Khouribga, 1.3 million m³) and Bouhamar Dam (Lmaadina – Khouribga, 1.28 million m³).
- Thlitha Dam (Shukran – Khouribga, 4.42 million m³) intended for irrigation, livestock supply, and flood protection.
Several additional facilities are underway in Azilal and Khenifra Provinces, including the Sidi Ammar Dam (62 million m³ – Khenifra), which is among the major strategic projects.
Integrated National Vision
Rachid Shahri, head of the Water Resources Evaluation and Planning Department at the Upper Oum Rabii Hydraulic Basin Agency, explained that this national strategy is based on three pillars:
- Construction of major structured dams.
- Connecting water basins.
- Developing unconventional resources such as seawater desalination and reusing treated wastewater.
The Oum Rabii basin currently comprises 15 major dams with a storage capacity exceeding 5 billion m³ (a quarter of the national capacity) and more than 40 small dams, making it a key pillar for irrigation, drinking water supply, and hydropower production.
Noticeable Progress in Construction
Ali Kerdad, head of the Green River Dam project, confirmed that construction is progressing rapidly, highlighting that the project includes a dam with a height of 110 meters built using rolled concrete technology. This initiative will enhance flood protection in Azilal Province and also increase the region’s irrigation and electricity production capacities.
