Rabat: Morocco has secured a £150 million loan from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) aimed at conserving water in the Sass Plain. Accompanied by grants totaling £11.5 million (approximately MAD 124 million), the agreement marks the final phase of a project designed to protect the Saiss aquifer and ensure irrigation for 20,000 hectares by progressively replacing unsustainable groundwater use with surface water sourced from the M’DEZ dam.
According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the SAISS III project will directly benefit 7,300 farms, while also positively impacting rural employment, farmers’ incomes, the establishment of young people, and the development of cooperatives and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in rural areas. Between 90 and 120 million cubic meters of water will be mobilized annually for irrigation, helping to alleviate pressure on groundwater resources and bolster the region’s climate resilience.
The project receives additional support through targeted technical assistance, particularly for young people, women, and small farmers, to enhance their skills and encourage the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices. Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget, Fouzi Lekjaa, emphasized the EBRD’s role as a reliable and consistent partner in both the development and effective implementation of initiatives in Morocco. He also highlighted the strong relations between Morocco and the United Kingdom, underpinned by shared ambitions to address economic, climate, and global development challenges.
Lekjaa described the SAISS III project as one of Morocco’s flagship initiatives to tackle water stress, transformations, and climate change. Greg Guyett, First Vice President of the EBRD, echoed these sentiments, noting that the project will enhance rural livelihoods and contribute to water conservation. Guyett also emphasized the importance of ensuring climate resilience in water management within this key region of Morocco.
Since the start of its operations in Morocco, the EBRD has financed over 120 projects valued at more than £5.6 billion (approximately MAD 60.4 billion), focusing on water, energy, infrastructure, and private sector support sectors, with a particular emphasis on green transition and inclusive development.