Algiers, Algeria – In a significant move to bolster water security, Algeria has signed contracts for the construction of three major seawater desalination plants in the wilayas (provinces) of Tlemcen, Chlef, and Mostaganem. The agreements were formalized on Monday, December 29, 2025, at the headquarters of Sonatrach’s General Directorate.
The signing ceremony, overseen by the Minister of State, Minister of Hydrocarbons and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring a reliable supply of potable water, particularly in coastal regions facing increased pressure on traditional water resources. This strategic project aligns with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s directives to strengthen national water security and guarantee the continuity of public water services.
The new desalination plants will be located in Ain Adjroud – Marsa Ben M’Hidi (Tlemcen), Dhahra – El Marsa municipality (Chlef), and Sidi Ledjal – El Khadra municipality (Mostaganem). Furthermore, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Algerian Water Desalination Company (ADC), a subsidiary of Sonatrach, and the Algerian Water Company (ADE) to enhance coordination in the distribution and utilization of desalinated water.
The event was attended by the Minister of Water Resources, Taha Derbal, the President and CEO of Sonatrach, Noureddine Daoudi, as well as officials from the relevant national companies and senior executives from both sectors.
These projects form part of the first phase of the Second Supplementary National Program, which includes the construction of six major seawater desalination plants, each with a production capacity of 300,000 cubic meters per day. This initiative aims to increase the national capacity for desalinated water production to approximately 5.6 million cubic meters per day by 2030. The projects will be executed under an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model, ensuring adherence to technical standards and deadlines. Leading national companies, including Cosider Canalisations for the Tlemcen plant, have been entrusted with the construction works. This investment highlights Algeria’s proactive approach to addressing water scarcity and ensuring a sustainable water supply for its citizens.
