Dakhla Seawater Desalination Plant Boosts Sustainable Agriculture and Economy
Rabat — Morocco's Agriculture Minister Ahmed El Bouari spoke of the importance of the Dakhla seawater desalination plant during his visit to the region on Friday. The minister described the project as innovative, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive.
While creating a strong agricultural hub with significant economic impact for the region and the country, the plant is set to run entirely on wind energy and protect the groundwater.
On the socioeconomic impact, the project will contribute to generating job opportunities for the young people in the region. 'This project will create over 25,000 permanent jobs,' El Bouari said.
During the visit to check the advancement of agricultural and fishing-related development projects in the Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region, the minister said the plant also aims to 'strengthen the region's water and food security.'
The desalination plant is expected to produce 37 million cubic meters of water annually, the minister said. Of these, he noted that 30 million cubic meters will be targeted at irrigating 5,200 hectares of farmland, while 7 million cubic meters will supply drinking water to Dakhla city and the future Atlantic port.
The government allocated the public-private partnership a total investment of MAD 2.6 billion (around $260 million). It includes a 60-megawatt wind farm to ensure a sustainable energy supply.
The initiative will equip 219 farms, with 100 allocated to young farmers from the region, helping to develop the land and establish a new generation of agricultural entrepreneurs.
Read also: Desalination Efforts: Agricultural Water Reserves in Morocco Reach 26%
El Bouari also visited two commercial facilities being modernized in partnership with the Dakhla municipality, namely the wholesale market and the local fruit and vegetable market. These upgrades aim to improve distribution networks and health standards, with the wholesale market already 90% complete.
In the fishing sector, El Bouari and the secretary of state in charge of sea fishing Zakia Driouch toured a seafood processing facility that is 95% complete. With a capacity of 140 tons per day, this MAD 127 million ($13.707) project will create about 500 direct and indirect jobs.
'Dakhla is now establishing itself as a national hub for seafood product development, with a growing industrial ecosystem,' said Driouch. She noted that byproducts from processing are also used to produce fish oil and meal, following a circular economy approach.
The officials also visited an integrated project focused on small pelagic fish. This program plans to create six industrial units in Dakhla with a budget of MAD 1.16 billion ($125,202), generating 4,378 jobs. It also aims to increase locally processed resources and strengthen high-value industries.
At the headquarters of the South Atlantic Maritime Fisheries Chamber, the minister and secretary launched a program to distribute radio beacons to artisanal fishing boats operating on the southern Atlantic coast.
Funded by the Maritime Fishing department with MAD 20.6 million ($2,232), this program will equip 6,183 boats, including 3,207 in Dakhla, to improve safety at sea and working conditions for fishermen.
The visit and follow-up of the development project in Dakhla-Oued Eddahab region reflects Morocco's commitment to developing southern provinces so they meet international standards and contribute to the country's role as a gateway to Africa. Tags: Dakhla desalination plantDesalination PlantMorocco
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