Morocco’s Agriculture Minister Highlights Strategic Role of Dakhla Desalination Plant in Regional Development
Rabat, The Gulf Observer: Morocco’s Minister of Agriculture, Ahmed El Bouari, underscored the significance of the Dakhla seawater desalination plant during an official visit to the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region on Friday, describing it as a transformative project that combines environmental sustainability with socioeconomic development.
Designed to be powered entirely by wind energy, the desalination facility will not only safeguard groundwater reserves but also contribute substantially to the region’s agricultural capacity. “This project is innovative, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive,” El Bouari stated.
The plant is expected to produce 37 million cubic meters of water annually, of which 30 million cubic meters will be allocated to irrigate 5,200 hectares of farmland, while the remaining 7 million cubic meters will be used to provide drinking water to Dakhla city and the planned Atlantic port.
On the social front, the minister emphasized the project’s role in addressing youth unemployment and fostering inclusive development. “This project will create over 25,000 permanent jobs, offering promising opportunities for the region’s young population,” he announced.
El Bouari’s visit also included a review of broader agricultural and fisheries-related development initiatives aimed at bolstering the region’s economic resilience and food security. “The plant will play a key role in strengthening the region’s water and food security,” the minister added.
The Dakhla desalination plant stands as a flagship initiative within Morocco’s broader national strategy to promote renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and regional development, particularly in the southern provinces.
