ONEE invests $13.2 million to secure water supply for Greater Agadir

Friday 22 August 2025 - 11:20

By: Dakir Madiha

ONEE invests $13.2 million to secure water supply for Greater Agadir

The National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE) has launched a critical project aimed at addressing water scarcity in the Souss-Massa region. With a $13.2 million investment, this initiative seeks to secure the drinking water supply for Greater Agadir, aligning with Morocco's broader efforts to combat water stress and promote sustainable regional development.

Doubling key infrastructure

The project focuses on doubling a vital section of the regional water pipeline originating from the Moulay Abdellah Dam, located north of Agadir. This pipeline will transport water to reservoirs in Agadir via 13 kilometers of steel-coated pipes with a diameter of 1,000 millimeters. The Tamri treatment station, which has been upgraded to handle a capacity of 1,100 liters per second, will play a central role in ensuring water delivery.

In addition, the pipeline will facilitate the distribution of drinking water from two monobloc desalination stations currently under construction. These stations are expected to contribute an additional 200 liters per second to the region’s water supply, enhancing flexibility in managing resources from the Abdelmoumen and Moulay Abdellah dams.

Strengthening water security

The project, inaugurated by ONEE Director General Tarik Hamane and Souss-Massa Regional Wali Said Amzazi, will also bolster the region’s capacity to manage water during maintenance periods of the Chtouka Ait Baha desalination plant. The system is scheduled to become operational by December, with financing provided through a loan from the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).

This initiative was launched during celebrations marking the 72nd anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People, as well as Youth Day, underscoring its significance in Morocco’s national development agenda.

A national priority

The project directly aligns with His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s directives to address Morocco’s growing water crisis. In his 2024 Throne Day speech, the King highlighted the alarming drop in water availability, which fell from 2,000 cubic meters per capita in 1960 to less than 600 cubic meters today. He called for accelerated implementation of water transfer projects and the construction of desalination facilities to safeguard the nation’s future.

In 2025, the monarch reiterated the urgency for proactive water management strategies, particularly as Morocco faces worsening droughts and climate change. He emphasized the need for large-scale investments in water and food security, identifying sustainable water resource management as one of the four pillars of Morocco’s integrated territorial development program.

This program aims to address regional disparities, ensure equitable access to resources, and guarantee a dignified life for all Moroccans. It prioritizes job creation, enhanced social services, and infrastructure projects that foster balanced regional development.

A future shaped by sustainability

With this $13.2 million investment, ONEE reinforces its leadership role in implementing structural projects that support Morocco’s economic and environmental sustainability. By addressing the growing water needs of Greater Agadir, the project is a critical step toward mitigating water stress and ensuring long-term resilience in one of Morocco’s most vital regions.