Construction of the Kheng Grou Dam in Figuig province has reached 91% completion, with the project expected to be delivered before the end of 2026, according to information obtained by Le360 from project officials.
Launched in March 2022, the project has accelerated significantly in recent months. Its completion rate stood at 70% last April before exceeding 90% within a few months. Work is continuing day and night as teams carry out the final operations ahead of the planned delivery date.
Work on Morocco’s fifth-largest dam reaches more than 90% completion at Kheng Grou
With an estimated cost of 1.2 billion dirhams, the dam is being built at the confluence of the Grou River and four tributaries. The structure is 79 meters high and 190 meters long at the crest, with an estimated storage capacity of 1.07 billion cubic meters.
Once operational, the dam will help mobilize surface water resources and reduce pressure on groundwater. It will also store part of the water from rainfall for use in meeting various needs in the region.
The project will notably supply drinking water to several rural communes. The populations of Beni Tadjit, Chouiter, Aïn Chaïr and Bouanane are concerned, representing around 7,500 residents.
Agriculture will also benefit from the planned infrastructure. Irrigated areas are expected to increase from 500 hectares currently to 3,000 hectares, while the volume of water allocated to irrigation will rise from 5 million to 30 million cubic meters per year.
The dam will also contribute to groundwater recharge and supply water to the khettaras serving the oases. These additional resources are intended to support the availability of water for irrigation and sustain agricultural activities in oasis areas.
The project also includes the construction of a road linking Tadjite to the dam site over around 40 kilometers. The road will facilitate access to the site and travel between the different areas concerned.
The construction project is also generating jobs during the implementation phase. In the longer term, the dam site could host various activities related to leisure, sports tourism and water-based tourism.
With its 1.07 billion cubic meter storage capacity, the dam will serve several purposes related to drinking water supply, irrigation and water resource management in the region. It is expected to enter service before the end of 2026.
