Agdez Dam: A Beacon of Hope Against Water Scarcity in Draa-Tafilalet

The Agdez Dam, inaugurated in April 2023 and situated approximately 100 kilometers from Zagora, is poised to play a pivotal role in addressing the region's water scarcity. This ambitious infrastructure project, spanning 940 hectares and rising 130 meters high, aims to significantly enhance the hydraulic capacity of Zagora province and the broader Draa-Tafilalet region.

The dam, with an investment of MAD 1.2 billion ($120 million), boasts a storage capacity of 247 million cubic meters. According to Mohamed Ajlali, head of the Agdez Dam project under the Draa-Oued Noun Hydraulic Basin, the dam currently holds 31 million cubic meters of water with a filling rate of 12.97%. It is projected to expand to 375 liters per second, with full utilization expected by 2040.

Beyond its primary function of water storage, the Agdez Dam is anticipated to provide a reliable supply of potable water, stimulate economic growth by supporting agriculture, and promote hydroelectric power generation. The project is also expected to create jobs, curb rural migration, and fortify regional connectivity with a new 17-kilometer road linking National Route 9 to the dam. Additionally, it will improve access to various tourist and natural attractions, including the Tizgui waterfalls.

The dam is already bolstering water access in Zagora through a water treatment plant developed by Morocco’s National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) under the 2020-2027 National Program for Potable Water Supply and Irrigation (PNAEPI). According to Zyat Khalid Abdellatif, provincial director of ONEE’s Water Division, the plant processes 250 liters per second and has been providing potable water to Zagora, Agdez, and the commune of Tamgrout since last December, benefiting over 72,000 residents in its initial phase.

Future phases will extend water supply from the Agdez Dam to several communes within the Zagora province, including Ait Oualal, Nkob, Tazarine, Fezouata, Ktaoua, Tagounite, Mhamid El Ghizlane, Afelandrea, Tansift, Afra, Mezguita, Tamzmoute, Ouled Yahya Lagurayre, and Bouzaroual.

The Agdez Dam is part of a broader national program aimed at tackling the pressing water issues, in line with the directives of King Mohammed VI from his 25th Throne Day Speech. In February, water levels in dams fell to just 23% capacity, a decline from 31% the previous year. Ministry data revealed a major drop in total dam storage, which has decreased to 3.72 billion cubic meters (bcm) from 5.14 bcm last year.

This sharp decrease of approximately 1.42 bcm annually highlights growing concerns about the country's water resources, exacerbated by ongoing drought and a persistent lack of rainfall. The Agdez Dam stands as a critical intervention in this context, offering a sustainable solution to water scarcity and fostering regional development.

The Agdez Dam represents a strategic investment in the future of the Draa-Tafilalet region, promising not only to alleviate water shortages but also to drive economic growth and enhance the quality of life for its residents.