Morocco has launched an international tender to build a new dam in the country’s dry east, as part of efforts to deal with water shortages.
The Ministry of Equipment and Water said the Falit dam will be built north of Bouarfa in Figuig province. It is expected to cost 428 million dirhams and should be ready by 2029 or 2030.
The dam will be able to store 25 million cubic metres of water. It is mainly meant to secure drinking water, support local farming, and capture floodwater from sudden heavy rains.
The region often faces long dry periods, followed by short bursts of heavy rain. Much of this water is usually lost as it quickly flows away into the desert. The new dam is designed to collect and store it for use طوال the year.
Work on land studies and planning is already underway.
The Falit dam is part of a wider push to improve water supply in the Oriental region. In the same province, the much larger Kheng Grou dam is already being built. Work there is about 70% complete, with delivery expected in early 2027.
With a capacity of more than one billion cubic metres, Kheng Grou is set to become the fifth largest dam in Morocco.
The two dams have different roles. Kheng Grou will store large amounts of water for the long term, while Falit will help supply nearby areas more directly and avoid the need to move water over long distances.
The new dam is also expected to reduce pressure on underground water, which farmers have relied on heavily in recent years. By providing a steady source of surface water, it should help protect oasis farming and limit rising salt levels in groundwater.
More broadly, the project shows a rise in government spending on water infrastructure. In 2026, the ministry’s public works budget reached 73 billion dirhams, with dams a key focus.
Other projects are also underway in the region. These include expanding the Mohammed V dam, building the Beni Azimane dam, and developing desalination and water treatment plants.
Smaller dams are also being built to support livestock and help refill underground water reserves.
