Morocco pushes desal for irrigation with new tender

Morocco’s Ministry of Agriculture has issued a call for proposals from consultants to carry out feasibility studies for the construction of a desalination plant and an irrigation perimeter in southern Morocco. The plant would irrigate 5,000 ha in the region of Guelmim-Oued Noun, although the studies will consider the possibility that the plant could also provide drinking water to bulk water producer ONEE. The 26-month assignment also includes tender preparation and technical assistance, as well as the recommendation of a procurement method (a PPP is under consideration). The bid submissions deadline is 15 November. This is not Morocco’s first foray into desalination for irrigation. Nearly half the capacity of the 275,000m3/d Agadir SWRO plant is for irrigation, and the Ministry of Agriculture also wants to develop a desalination plant for agriculture in Dakhla (a contract was awarded to Engie and Nareva in 2019, but little progress has been made since).