Construction works on the Taghzirt Dam project in Morocco is on track with 10% of the construction already completed.
This vital project, launched in August 2022, is backed by a budget of US $132.M and will have a storage capacity of 85 million cubic meters. Situated on the Oued Derna, a tributary of the Oum Er-Rbia River, the dam is designed to address the growing irrigation water demands in the Dir region and to generate hydroelectric power.
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Progress
The concrete structure, standing at 95 meters, is currently under construction, and the project is set for early completion by September 2027, three months ahead of schedule. This dam will be crucial for agricultural irrigation and providing drinking water to nearby towns, helping to mitigate the region’s frequent water shortages, such as the recent five-day water outage in Beni Mellal due to flooding at the Afourar water treatment plant.
In addition to the Taghzirt Dam, the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region is also advancing the construction of the Oued Lakhdar Dam in the Ait Majden commune of Azilal province. This dam will store 151.62 million cubic meters of water and enhance water transfers to the Haouz region, supporting both drinking water supply and irrigation while aiding in flood control and electricity generation.
These two key projects, with a combined storage capacity of 236 million cubic meters, are central to Morocco’s strategy for water management, agricultural development, and energy production. They rely entirely on local companies and expertise, showcasing Morocco’s commitment to addressing water scarcity and supporting sustainable growth.
Morocco’s collaboration with China on water resource management, formalized in a memorandum of understanding for 2025-2027, underscores the growing emphasis on international partnerships to tackle water scarcity and climate change challenges. This cooperation will enhance the country’s ability to manage its water resources amid mounting environmental concerns.