Water minister Nizar Baraka acknowledged in his written response to MPs the challenges concerning statistics and delays facing Moroccan dams but aimed to offer reassurance.
He notes that due to its unique geography, the country faces water resource challenges, with limited resources that vary across time and space. Baraka emphasizes that this situation may worsen due to climate change.
Despite these challenges, the country has pursued a proactive water resources management policy for years. This strategy primarily focuses on building surface water storage infrastructure to meet water needs during drought periods. Alongside large dams, the kingdom already has 141 small dams in place with more under construction.
To support these efforts, the national drinking water and irrigation supply program for 2020-2027 includes plans for constructing small and medium dams. This initiative adopts a participatory approach to support local development and ensure project sustainability.
A national thematic committee on small and medium dams has been established to identify projects based on local and regional needs, involving multiple ministries and government agencies.
To address public concerns, Baraka mentions a recent framework partnership agreement signed in March 2022 for financing the small and medium dam program for 2022-2024.
With participation from various ministries, this agreement aims to execute an initial program for 129 small dams and promote existing ones. Relevant ministries and entities will manage funding, supervision of studies, and construction.
Baraka emphasizes that requests for small and medium dams not covered in the first phase of the agreement should be directed to the regional committee under the governor’s supervision for consideration in the second phase (2025-2027).
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