WATER POLITICS

One year after the launch of the Sebou-Bouregreg Water Highway, Morocco stands at a critical juncture in its fight against water scarcity. The project’s success has not only averted severe water shortages but also positioned the Kingdom as a model for innovative water management in the face of climate change. This success was highlighted in HM King Mohammed VI’s recent Throne Speech, where he emphasized the urgency of accelerating water transfer projects as part of a broader strategy to secure the nation’s water future.

The urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated. Without the Sebou-Bouregreg Water Highway, the coastal areas from Rabat to the north of Casablanca would have faced severe water shortages as early as mid-November 2023. The project, which has already transferred 380 million cubic meters of water since August 2023, is a testament to the critical need for large-scale infrastructure that can redistribute water resources across the country. As the effects of climate change continue to challenge water availability, Morocco’s approach to water management is being closely watched by the international community.

Nizar Baraka, the Minister of Equipment and Water, has been a vocal advocate for the rapid implementation of these water highways. In a recent meeting at the Directorate General of Hydraulic Engineering, Baraka emphasized that the interconnection of dams and hydraulic basins is central to Morocco’s water strategy. “The swift implementation of these projects is crucial for ensuring integrated and fluid management of water resources at the basin level,” Baraka stated. His comments underscore the strategic importance of these projects not only for immediate water distribution but for the long-term resilience of Morocco’s water infrastructure.

However, the success of the Water Highway is not just about meeting immediate needs; it’s also about foresight and meticulous planning. The project was preceded by extensive technical studies to ensure that only excess water—resources that would otherwise be lost to the sea—was transferred from Sebou to Bouregreg. This careful consideration was necessary to avoid the ecological pitfalls often associated with such large-scale interventions. The average annual volume of water lost to the sea after all uses is nearly 800 million cubic meters. The project’s initial phase, which transfers 400 million cubic meters annually, strikes a balance between human needs and environmental sustainability.

Environmental stewardship has been a cornerstone of this project from its inception. The Sebou-Bouregreg Water Highway includes several features designed to minimize its impact on local ecosystems. For example, the intake point at the Sebou guard dam, which serves as the last bastion of freshwater in the basin, ensures minimal disruption to downstream ecosystems. The dam is even equipped with a fish ladder to support the migration of species vital to the local ecology. Additionally, the project has spurred broader environmental initiatives, such as the depollution of the Sebou hydraulic basin and the relocation of polluting industrial units to the Aïn Baida area. These efforts underscore Morocco’s commitment to balancing development with environmental protection.

The strategic importance of these projects extends beyond immediate water distribution. By enabling the connection between various hydraulic basins—such as linking the Oued Laou-Larache and Loukous basin with that of Oued Oum Er-Rbia, through the Sebou and Bouregreg basins—Morocco is laying the groundwork for a more resilient water infrastructure. These interconnections will facilitate the redistribution of up to one billion cubic meters of water, resources that would otherwise have been lost to the sea, thus ensuring a more balanced spatial distribution of the nation’s water resources.

But the implications of this project go beyond just environmental and social benefits. They represent a significant step forward in the Kingdom’s broader water security strategy, as outlined in King Mohammed VI’s directives. The recent meeting chaired by Nizar Baraka emphasized the need for swift implementation of projects related to dam interconnection. This integrated approach is crucial for the effective management of water resources at the basin level, ensuring that all regions of the country can benefit from these strategic water transfers.

As climate change continues to threaten water availability globally, Morocco’s Water Highway serves as an inspiring example of how nations can innovate to secure their future. The project’s success lies not only in its immediate impact but also in the way it has been carefully planned and executed, balancing the needs of people and the environment. The Sebou-Bouregreg Water Highway is more than just an engineering feat; it is a blueprint for how Morocco—and other nations—can navigate the challenges of water scarcity in the 21st century.