When governor-general Théodore Steeg arrived in 1925, known as the "water governor", the pace accelerated.[5] El Kansera was built between 1927 and 1935.[3] In 1928 Steeg's administration created a new colonization zone ("perimeter") located between Petitjean and Sidi Slimane. The land was taken from the Cherardas, who were moved to less productive areas. The new perimeter was sited where water from the dam could be used in irrigation.[6]