Moroccan king orders construction of more dams

CASABLANCA - Morocco’s King Mohammed VI ordered on Tuesday the construction of dams in different regions of the North African kingdom to anticipate the risk of water shortage.

King Mohammed VI chaired at the Royal Palace in Rabat a meeting to tackle the issue of water, based on the commission he appointed last October to find solutions to water shortage in the country.

The Moroccan monarch has consolidated the policy led by his late father King Hassan II to provide Morocco with water infrastructures, building thirty dams in 18 years.

“Due to natural hazards and rising water demand, the risk of water shortage has significantly increased,” warned a statement from the Royal Cabinet.

"After having taken note of the first conclusions of the commission presided by the head of the government, the King gave his high instructions for the construction, as soon as possible and in different regions of the Kingdom, of dams of different capacities (large, medium and small), as well as dams and the possible establishment of desalination plants, while ensuring the continuation of the program of water saving in the agricultural field,” said the statement.

"In addition, an awareness campaign will be conducted by the government in partnership with NGOs and other parties concerned with the issue of water, to educate citizens to streamline its use,” it added.

Some 35 dams of different sizes are currently under construction in addition to the existing 139 dams, according to According to the State Secretariat for Water.