The Société régionale multiservices (SRM) Casablanca-Settat is currently constructing the Système de Renforcement Est (SRE), a 465 million dirham infrastructure project designed to mitigate flood risks in eastern Casablanca. Scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2027, the project utilizes deep-borehole technology to install two underground storage galleries and 2.3 kilometers of new collectors to improve storm drainage capacity in the Aïn Chock, Ben M’Sick, Sidi Othmane, and Sbata districts.
Infrastructure Specifications and Technical Scope
The SRE project centers on the creation of two subterranean galleries capable of holding 45,000 cubic meters of rainwater. These structures, spanning a cumulative 3.7 kilometers, will connect the existing Al Qods and Hay Sadri galleries. According to the SRM Casablanca-Settat, the first gallery measures 2.8 meters by 2.8 meters, while the second is larger, at 3.5 meters by 3.5 meters. To minimize surface-level traffic disruptions, engineers are employing modern drilling techniques for the underground work.
Complementing the storage galleries is the installation of 2.3 kilometers of collectors along the boulevard Sakia El Hamra. These pipes, which range in diameter from 1,000 to 2,000 millimeters, will be supported by a series of auxiliary structures. The project plan includes the construction of manholes, drop structures, storm overflows, and a dedicated pumping system to manage the flow of water effectively.
Did You Know?
The Système de Renforcement Est is part of a broader regional initiative known as the Programme d’assainissement pluvial prioritaire 2025-2030, which intends to build 90 kilometers of major collectors across the region.
Strategic Context and Regional Impact
The SRE is a response to the rapid urban expansion in eastern Casablanca and the increasing need for infrastructure capable of managing intense rainfall events. By integrating these new galleries into the existing city network, the SRM Casablanca-Settat aims to provide a durable improvement to the metropolitan storm drainage system. This initiative is part of the larger national effort focused on mutualized liquid sanitation and the reuse of treated wastewater.
By keeping the bulk of the construction underground, the project avoids the prolonged surface-level closures that typically impact commercial and transit corridors in dense metropolitan areas like Casablanca.
Project Timeline and Future Outlook
Work on the SRE began in February and is currently proceeding according to the project’s forecast schedule. As the project progresses toward its 2027 delivery date, it serves as a critical component of the regional mandate to modernize basic infrastructure. Once operational, the system is expected to significantly bolster the flood protection capabilities of the targeted districts, providing a more resilient network for the city’s growing population.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which districts will benefit from the new drainage system?
The project specifically targets the Aïn Chock, Ben M’Sick, Sidi Othmane, and Sbata districts in eastern Casablanca.
What is the total storage capacity of the new underground galleries?
The two galleries are designed to provide a combined storage capacity of approximately 45,000 cubic meters.
How is the broader regional sanitation program funded?
The Programme d’assainissement pluvial prioritaire is funded through a partnership involving the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Economy and Finance, the Ministry of Equipment and Water, the Casablanca-Settat Regional Council, and the SRM Casablanca-Settat.
How might the completion of this project influence future urban development plans in the eastern districts of Casablanca?
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