Algeria is poised to overhaul its urban landscape with the imminent arrival of two new laws focused on construction and unfinished buildings. Minister of Housing, Urban Planning, and the City, Mohamed Tarek Belaribi, announced on Thursday, October 16, 2025, that his ministry is nearing completion of a comprehensive new urban planning law, alongside specific legislation addressing the pervasive issue of incomplete construction projects throughout the country.Speaking in Algiers, Minister Belaribi emphasized the transformative potential of these laws, stating they will “change the urban face of the country.” The announcement, which reached an audience of 1.2K, signals a significant effort by the Algerian government to modernize its construction sector, streamline urban development, and tackle the aesthetic and economic challenges posed by unfinished buildings.
The new urban planning law is expected to address a range of issues, potentially including zoning regulations, building codes, permitting processes, and sustainable development practices. The existing legal framework governing construction in Algeria has been criticized for being outdated and cumbersome, hindering efficient development and contributing to bureaucratic delays. The new law aims to create a more transparent and efficient system, fostering investment and promoting responsible urban growth.
Perhaps even more impactful will be the specific law targeting unfinished buildings. These structures, often abandoned due to financial constraints, legal disputes, or changing priorities, blight many Algerian cities and towns. They represent a significant loss of potential housing and commercial space, contribute to urban decay, and pose safety hazards.
The details of the unfinished buildings law remain to be seen, but potential measures could include incentives for completing stalled projects, mechanisms for resolving ownership disputes, and regulations for demolishing or repurposing abandoned structures. The government may also explore options for providing financial assistance or technical support to developers struggling to complete their projects.
The announcement of these upcoming laws has been met with cautious optimism within the construction industry and among urban planning experts. Many believe that a modernized legal framework is essential for unlocking Algeria’s development potential and creating more livable and sustainable cities. The successful implementation of these laws will depend on effective enforcement, stakeholder engagement, and a commitment to transparency and good governance.
The laws are expected to be presented to the National Assembly (Majlis al-Umma) for approval in the near future. The Ministry of Housing, Urban Planning, and the City will play a crucial role in overseeing the implementation and enforcement of the new regulations once they are enacted. The Algerian government views these legal reforms as a key component of its broader efforts to modernize the country’s infrastructure and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
Related: More algeria articles on DZWatch
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Written by Noor Eleslam
