Early completion of Tamri dam promises water security for Agadir

Wednesday 12 February 2025 - 11:10

By: Dakir Madiha

Early completion of Tamri dam promises water security for Agadir

The highly anticipated Tamri dam, located in the Agadir Ida-Outanane province, is now set to be completed by early 2026, three years ahead of its initial 2029 schedule. This announcement was made on Tuesday by Nizar Baraka, Morocco’s Minister of Equipment and Water, during a site visit to the construction project.

The dam, with a storage capacity of 204 million cubic meters, has seen significant progress, thanks to an accelerated pace of construction. Speaking to the press, Mr. Baraka highlighted the strategic importance of the project, which falls under Morocco's National Program for Potable Water Supply and Irrigation (2020-2027).

A lifeline for Agadir and its surroundings

Upon completion, the Tamri dam will play a critical role in ensuring a consistent supply of potable water for the Greater Agadir region, supporting agricultural irrigation, replenishing groundwater reserves, and mitigating the risks of flooding. The dam, which stands 75 meters tall and spans 460 meters in length, is a key infrastructure investment aimed at addressing the region's growing water demands.

This initiative is part of a broader effort to secure water resources across Morocco, especially as the country faces increasing pressures from climate change and water scarcity.

Strategic projects enhancing water infrastructure

During his visit, Mr. Baraka, accompanied by Saaid Amzazi, Wali of the Souss-Massa region and governor of the Agadir Ida-Outanane prefecture, also reviewed progress on other major hydraulic projects. Notably, the ongoing elevation of the Mokhtar Soussi dam, located on the Oued Aouzioua, approximately 100 kilometers east of Taroudant, was highlighted. This upgrade is set to boost the dam’s storage capacity to 281 million cubic meters by November 2026.

The enhanced Mokhtar Soussi dam will bolster water supplies to the city of Taroudant and its surrounding areas, irrigate downstream agricultural lands, recharge the Souss aquifer, and protect low-lying zones from flooding.

Broader regional development

The visit also included presentations on hydraulic infrastructure overseen by the Souss-Massa Hydraulic Agency (ABHSM). Officials shared updates on flood protection initiatives, reconnaissance programs, and ongoing road infrastructure projects within the Agadir Ida-Outanane prefecture.

In particular, work has commenced on the diversion of Regional Road N113, which connects National Roads N1 and N11 near the Tamri dam. Spanning 10 kilometers, this road project will ensure seamless connectivity while accommodating the dam’s construction and operational needs.

With these large-scale projects advancing steadily, Morocco continues its push to secure sustainable water resources and safeguard its agricultural and urban communities from the challenges of water scarcity and environmental risks.