Morocco dedicates $320 million to address water stress in dry regions

Morocco has earmarked 320 million dollars (3 bln dirhams) to address water shortage in drought-hit areas of Souss, Moulouya, Oum Errabia and Tensift, Water and Equipment Minister Nizar Baraka said.

Speaking to MPs, the minister said Morocco has 148 large dams and 135 small ones that are not enough so far to cover the increasing needs of the country, noting the uneven distribution of water resources.

Some 57% of water reserves of the country are located in 7% of its territories, he said, hence the need for 120 more small dams to be built by 2023.

Morocco also plans to start building a desalination plant in Casablanca in 2022 with a 300 cubic meter capacity.

This project adds to an already operational desalination plant near Agadir. Morocco also plans similar plants in Dakhla, Safi, Nador, and Sidi Ifni.