Mostaganem, Algeria – Sonatrach CEO, Noureddine Daoudi, officially inaugurated the Sidi Lakhdar seawater desalination project in the commune of El Khadra, Mostaganem province. The project is a key component of the second supplementary seawater desalination program, in line with directives from the President of the Republic, Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
The Sidi Lakhdar site was selected due to Mostaganem’s strategic location and its ability to connect several neighboring western provinces experiencing declining rainfall in recent years. The project aims to provide a sustainable water supply to the region.
The construction of the plant has been awarded to the Algerian Company for the Realization of Industrial Projects (SARPI), a subsidiary of Sonatrach. SARPI previously completed the desalination plant in El Tarf, demonstrating their expertise in this field.
The Sidi Lakhdar desalination plant will cover an area of 12 hectares and will have a total production capacity of 300,000 cubic meters per day upon completion. The plant will utilize reverse osmosis technology, a globally recognized method for seawater desalination. A partial commissioning phase is expected within 22 months, with an initial production capacity of 150,000 cubic meters per day.
This project represents a significant step towards achieving water security for Algeria and strengthening the country’s ability to address the effects of climate change. By expanding the network of desalination plants, the project will help meet the growing demand for potable water, providing drinking water to three million citizens in the provinces of Mostaganem, Relizane, Tissemsilt and Tiaret.
Furthermore, the Sidi Lakhdar project will alleviate pressure on regional dams and groundwater resources. It is also expected to create direct and indirect employment opportunities during the construction, operation, and maintenance phases, while facilitating the transfer of technology and expertise to local talent.
