The Ministry of Equipment, Water and Forests is stepping up its efforts to tackle flood risks, with 27 protection projects scheduled to get underway in 2027 at a total cost of MAD 1.03 billion. The program also includes a national atlas identifying flood-prone areas and stronger early warning systems.
The Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region accounts for 11 of the projects, worth a combined MAD 478 million. Six are planned in Tangier, targeting five waterways in the urban area, including Souani, Bouhout and Samar. A separate flood protection structure is also planned for Ibn Battuta Airport. Other projects will cover Fnideq, Tetouan, the municipality of Gueznaia and three centers in Larache province: Bouchta, Drabla and Souaken.
The Fes-Meknes region will have three projects worth MAD 148 million, in Taza, Meknes and along the Aggai River. Rabat-Sale-Kenitra accounts for four projects totaling MAD 136 million, in Skhirat, Dar El Gueddari and the Fouarat wetland in Kenitra. Marrakech-Safi has three projects worth MAD 82 million, in Youssoufia, Lalla Aziza and Sidi Ahmed. Souss-Massa will have two projects worth MAD 72 million, including one to protect the municipality of Askaoun.
In the Oriental region, MAD 56 million has been earmarked for three sites: Bouarfa, Figuig and Nador. Casablanca-Settat has one project worth MAD 54 million, aimed at protecting the municipality of Ouled Mrah from flooding caused by the Farah River.
The ministry also expects to issue two calls for tenders. The first concerns flood protection works in municipalities across Zagora province, with a budget of MAD 109 million. The second covers the construction of a canal to protect Nador West Med port from flooding caused by the Ighzer Natia River, at a cost of MAD 180 million.
Dams to help control floodwaters
Several dam projects are also expected to help limit the impact of flooding. Construction of the Bouhmiss Dam in Khemisset province is due to begin, with an investment of MAD 1.8 billion.
In Taounate province, the plans include raising the height of the Bouhouda Dam, at a cost of MAD 1.25 billion, and building the Bab Quender Dam, with an investment of MAD 1.6 billion. Both projects are intended to protect the Gharb plain. Raising the Bouhouda Dam will also help reduce the volume of floodwater that needs to be held back by Al Wahda Dam.
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Two other dams were completed in 2026: Aït Ziat in Al Haouz province, at a cost of MAD 1.82 billion, and Sidi Abbou in Taounate province, worth MAD 1.2 billion. The ministry also cites their role in flood protection. Three second-phase projects were completed during the year, in the center of Al Jabha in Chefchaouen province, Tnine Ourika in Al Haouz and Tan-Tan.
Flood risk atlas and earlier warning systems
Prevention efforts are also being expanded. A national atlas identifying areas exposed to flooding is expected to be completed by 2027. By 2029, prevention plans are due to be drawn up for areas facing medium to high flood risks, including protective infrastructure and early warning systems.
The 2026 progress report also records the restructuring of the national flood database and the expansion of the “VigiRisk Flood” system, in partnership with the Ministry of the Interior. A national program to raise awareness of flood risks is also being prepared with support from the French Development Agency.
The national meteorological service is also strengthening its monitoring capacity. Four Doppler radars, representing an investment of MAD 62.8 million, feature in the 2026 report. They are located in Agadir, Khouribga, Larache and the Ourika Valley. Two more are planned for 2027: one in Zagora, costing MAD 23.8 million, to monitor torrential rainfall and flash floods, and another in Dakhla, with a budget of MAD 30 million.
The ministry also allocated MAD 600 million in 2025 to repair flood damage to the road network.
