The Regional Delegate of the Sebou Water Basin Agency in Kenitra, Bouchaib Makrane, announced on Saturday that the current water storage in the dams belonging to the basin has exceeded 4.8 billion cubic meters, representing a strong recovery for water resources in the region.
The official explained, in a statement to the Moroccan News Agency, that this significant storage, which is approaching the total filling capacity of the basin, amounting to 6.5 billion cubic meters, was achieved thanks to record water imports recorded recently, exceeding 2.6 billion cubic meters. This water basin, which includes 11 large dams, a total of 51 small dams and a hill lake, is among the most important water basins in the Kingdom, as it extends over an area of approximately 40,000 square kilometers, and contributes to the irrigation of agricultural and industrial activities of great importance to the national economy. Mr. Makrane added that the recent rainfall brought the basin out of the state of water stress that had lasted for years, describing the current season as "exceptional", where the recorded rates exceeded the usual annual average by 56 percent. In light of this noticeable increase in storage, Mr. Makrane highlighted that the Agency has initiated measures to manage this water abundance, particularly through proactive and gradual emptying of the Al Wahda Dam, with the aim of protecting the dam facility and ensuring the safety of the population and equipment from the possibility of flooding, especially with the expectation of new rainfall. In this regard, the official assured that the authorities have taken the necessary precautionary measures to address the side effects of these discharges on the lands adjacent to the valleys, including the displacement of the population of the threatened villages and their gathering in safe areas, as well as strengthening the protective barriers at sensitive points. (With)
