Set up water and electricity services in Casablanca, Morocco, in line with its future economic and demographic growth

The agglomeration of Casablanca opted in 1997 for a delegated management of its drinking water, sanitation and electricity distribution networks, with a view to achieving high performance objectives. Within the framework of a 30-year concession contract, SUEZ successfully undertook the modernisation of Casablanca's infrastructures, providing the city with services that enabled it to integrate its growth and look to the future.
The mission

Improve the performance of the drinking water, sanitation and electricity networks in the economic capital of Morocco

As the largest metropolis in Northwest Africa and economic capital of Morocco, Casablanca concentrates many of the development challenges faced by modern Morocco. A first-class port and leading industrial and financial centre, the city accounts for 50% of the country's added value and 48% of its investments.

Casablanca's development and that of its agglomeration (cities of Mohammédia and Aïn Harrouda) require the strictly controlled operation of the electricity and water distribution networks in order to avoid service interruptions as much as possible - a real hindrance to economic development. Moreover, the heavy floods of 1995 and 1996 demonstrated the urgent need to improve the city's sanitation system.

Contacted by the Casablanca Urban Community Council in 1997, SUEZ was awarded the delegated management of the electricity and drinking water distribution networks, as well as the wastewater collection for Casablanca and Mohammédia, under the terms of a 30-year concession contract.
5
million
The number of inhabitants in Casablanca in 2014.
39
%
of Morocco's labour force employed in the Casablanca region.
35
%
of national electricity consumption concentrated in the Casablanca region.
Our solution

Implement high quality networks to support the development of Casablanca

Improve the network and the quality of the distributed water while avoiding leakages
An action plan was implemented to reduce physical losses on the network: 
  • Installation of flow meters to evaluate the volumes of water distributed. 
  • Use of expert water network monitoring software, Aquadvanced.
  • Pipe inspection and leak detection. 
A program to replace the cast iron pipes is underway in order to eliminate the phenomenon of "red water" in certain districts. Casablanca now benefits from qualitative control systems, with a complete cartography defining the nature and the quality of the water.


Protect the city from natural disasters thanks to a more effective sewerage network
A major project to solve the flooding problem was carried out. It was designed around: 
  • the rehabilitation of former collectors;
  • the construction of a flood relief channel that can protect the city against a flood of 140 m3/s while also cleaning up the coastal tourist area.
SUEZ introduced several technical innovations in wastewater management: 
  • inspection of collectors using cameras;
  • manual and hydrodynamic cleaning operations, and notably the design of the MARINE HYDROPHOS machine for the cleaning of large collectors;
  • nano scrubbers for the optimal operation and maintenance of the sewerage network in the medina.

Guarantee electricity distribution and cut the number of power outages by four
Through multiple investments and the controlled operation of the network, SUEZ was able to optimise electricity distribution in Casablanca thanks to:
  • the establishment of the Central Operations Office, which provides a comprehensive view of the networks and increased operational safety;
  • preventive maintenance, saving on operating costs and increasing performance;
  • reinforced surveillance of network risk points by means of infrared cameras, detection devices and mobile laboratory units.
SUEZ has cut the number of network incidents by four, as well as reducing the power restoration time from 33 to 10 minutes. 

Provide better quality of service for consumers
Private individuals, large companies and industrialists now all benefit from a better quality of service, an easy access to their accounts and invoices, a customer relations centre (25,000 calls per month) and dedicated website.
The results
SUEZ enabled the modernisation of the water and electricity distribution networks, as well as the wastewater collection services, thanks to its solid operational know-how and the establishment of quality infrastructures that contribute daily to the economic development of Casablanca and its surrounding region.
This modernisation saves the city of Casablanca more than 25 million m3 of water per year, the equivalent of the consumption of 800,000 inhabitants, and allows for fending off the threat of flooding.

In addition, SUEZ has increased its actions in favour of sustainable development in the Casablanca agglomeration by providing aid to disadvantaged neighbourhoods, a commitment to social responsibility and the safeguarding of the environment.
99.9
%
The compliance rate of the quality of drinking water in Casablanca.
25
million m3
The annual water savings achieved.
10
minutes
The restoration time in the event of a power failure (previously 33 minutes).
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