Published: Tuesday, January 7, 2025 | Category: Economy
Algiers – Sonatrach’s CEO, Rachid Hachichi, affirmed the company’s commitment to developing a pioneering fertilizer and chemical industry to support Algeria’s food security efforts. The announcement was made during his visit to the “Fertial” complex in Annaba, a subsidiary of Asmidal, fully owned by Sonatrach, according to a company statement.
During his visit, Mr. Hachichi reviewed the modernization plans for the petrochemical complex and inspected the project to renew the main furnace for ammonia production. This project is expected to boost production capacity while adhering to industrial safety standards.
In his speech, Mr. Hachichi emphasized Sonatrach’s support for Asmidal and its subsidiaries’ developmental plans aimed at enhancing food security through the growth of a leading fertilizer and chemical industry in Algeria.
The visit also included a stop in the province of El Tarf, where Mr. Hachichi inspected the Koudiat Draouch desalination plant. The plant began initial water flow on January 1, as part of its technical testing phase, preparing to provide potable water to 3 million residents across El Tarf, Annaba, Guelma, and Skikda.
The statement noted that the plant is expected to start producing drinkable water by February 7, 2025, after completing all treatment stages. This facility is part of a national program initiated by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to strengthen Algeria’s water security. The program involves constructing five seawater desalination plants, each with a daily production capacity of 300,000 cubic meters, slated for completion in early 2025.
This initiative, the statement explained, is a cornerstone of Algeria’s national water strategy, which aims to meet 60% of the country’s drinking water needs through desalination projects by 2030.
Mr. Hachichi praised the “tremendous efforts” of workers at the Algerian Energy Company overseeing the project, as well as the Algerian Industrial Projects Company and Algerian Pipeline Company, both of which completed the Koudiat Draouch project ahead of schedule.
The visit to Annaba and El Tarf is part of Sonatrach’s strategic project oversight, which aims to bolster Algeria’s water and food security while contributing to the nation’s sustainable development goals.
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Author: Nor-Eleslam
