President of Republic Inaugurates Project for Development of Lake R’kiz Eastern Basin

On 23 December, His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani inaugurated the project for the development of the eastern basin of Lake R’Kiz.

The financial envelope for this project, which will constitute a qualitative leap in the field of agriculture in this region, amounted to 1,339,850,000 MRU, financed by the Saudi Fund for Development.

As part of this project, 3,500 hectares were rehabilitated, distributed over three sections that depend on the flow irrigation system, except for approximately 250 hectares irrigated by pumping, through a pumping station equipped with three pumps with a water recovery power of 290 liters per second, and the installation of an electrical line with a capacity of 33 kV, 6 km long.

The project has a drainage station for one thousand hectares of the old project as well as the new project under construction, which includes 3,500 hectares irrigated by four pumps with a capacity of up to 700 liters per second and through irrigation canals.

This project relies on river water through the “Kani” hole and through a 60-kilometer canal that extends to the “Aguilil” area, from where the main and secondary canals begin to irrigate the developed area.

This major agricultural project, which concerns around 10,000 beneficiaries, will contribute to the country’s self-sufficiency in basic products, increase the population’s income, and improve its standard of living.

After kicking off the exploitation of these agricultural areas, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani followed a presentation on the components of the project, its role in strengthening the agricultural sector in the country, enhancing food security, creating job opportunities, and improving the living conditions of the population.