Morocco’s largest seawater desalination plant is expected to begin operating in February 2027, Water and Equipment Minister Nizar Baraka told parliament on Monday, as the government accelerates major infrastructure projects aimed at securing the country’s water supply.
Speaking during a question-and-answer session in the House of Representatives, Baraka also announced that construction of a second national water transfer project linking the Bouregreg basin to the Oum Er-Rbia basin is expected to begin toward the end of 2026.
The project will become Morocco’s second “water highway” after the strategic pipeline connecting the Sebou River to the Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah Dam near Rabat.
Baraka said the projects form part of a broader national water strategy launched under King Mohammed VI to strengthen water security in the face of recurring drought and climate pressures.
“Thanks to the strategy launched by King Mohammed VI, Morocco aims in the coming years to secure 100% of drinking water needs and 80% of irrigation demand,” Baraka said.
The minister added that Morocco has expanded its dam program, with 14 dams under construction and eight already completed.
Following an exceptionally wet 2026, Morocco’s water reserves now stand at 26 billion cubic meters, enough to meet roughly two years of drinking water and irrigation needs, according to Baraka.
He also welcomed the removal of value-added tax on drinking water supplied by the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), describing it as a measure that benefits consumers.
Despite the improved outlook, Baraka acknowledged that Morocco continues to face significant structural challenges, including water losses caused by aging distribution networks and the gradual siltation of reservoirs that reduces storage capacity.
He said leaking pipelines would be addressed through the country’s new regional multi-service utilities, while the National Agency for Water and Forests (ANEF) will tackle reservoir siltation through reforestation programs around dam catchment areas.
