Algiers, DZWatch – Algeria faces a staggering annual loss of 230 billion dinars due to traffic accidents, posing a significant threat to the national economy. In response, the government is prioritizing the renewal of the national bus fleet as a matter of national security to protect lives and bolster the economy.
The Ministry of Interior, Local Authorities, and Transport is spearheading a comprehensive national plan to modernize public transportation, focusing on improving safety and service quality. According to Abdelghani Hammani, Director of Land Transport and Logistics at the ministry, the initiative aligns with directives from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.
The plan involves a phased approach to gradually remove outdated buses from service. The first phase will target buses older than 30 years, followed by those exceeding 20 years. This systematic replacement aims to enhance safety standards, improve service delivery, and mitigate technical risks that pose a daily threat to citizens.
The devastating accident in Oued El Harrach, which claimed 18 lives last August, served as a catalyst for this decisive action. Hammani emphasized that the tragedy prompted a shift in how the government addresses the issue of aging buses, recognizing it as a matter of public safety and national strategic importance. The incident underscored the urgent need for comprehensive reform within the transportation sector.
To ensure the effective implementation of the presidential decision, a coordination meeting was held at the Ministry of Interior, Local Authorities, and Transport. The meeting involved various stakeholders, including representatives from national transportation unions and trade organizations, reflecting a collaborative approach to this national endeavor. The government has pledged to support transportation operators during this transition.
