Algeria is making remarkable progress in bolstering its national water security, driven by an ambitious strategy to enhance desalination capabilities and optimize traditional water resources. This was highlighted by Algeria's Minister of Water Resources, Lounas Bouzegza, during the opening of the 21st SIOP/Pollutec International Exhibition for Water and Environment Technologies in Algiers.
Algeria water security
Minister Bouzegza detailed the strides made under President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's new program, which prioritizes seawater desalination and the valorization of existing water sources. A cornerstone of this initiative is the construction of three new desalination plants in western Algeria, specifically in Tlemcen, Chlef, and Mostaganem. Each plant boasts a production capacity of 300,000 cubic meters per day, designed not only to serve coastal regions but also to supply several inland provinces such as El Bayadh, Tiaret, Saida, and Naâma, aiming for rapid water balance across the population.
Algeria's current desalination network comprises 19 units, providing substantial output. Currently, 16 northern provinces and three central provinces – Blida, Bouira, and Sidi Bel Abbès – benefit from desalinated water, marking a crucial first phase of expanded coverage. Furthermore, significant improvements in water availability have been achieved in the southern provinces, primarily through enhanced exploitation of groundwater, supported by demineralization plants in Tindouf and Tamanrasset. Large-scale transfer networks are also playing a pivotal role in ensuring that previously water-stressed regions now meet their essential needs.
During the exhibition, the Minister received a presentation on the Algerian Water Desalination Company, a subsidiary of the Sonatrach group, commending its strategic projects and pivotal role in strengthening national water security and ensuring sustainable supply. Adding a layer of innovation to water management, the Algiers Water and Sanitation Company (SIEAL) launched its new "Qatra AI" application. This digital solution leverages artificial intelligence for network management, aiming to improve water distribution efficiency, detect malfunctions, and provide early warnings for leaks, thereby guaranteeing service continuity.
The SIOP/Pollutec exhibition, which runs until June 4th and features 170 exhibitors from 16 countries, serves as a vital platform for exchanging expertise and showcasing the latest technologies and solutions critical to advancing Algeria's water sector and environmental protection.
Related topics: Algeria, water security, desalination, Lounas Bouzegza, SIOP/Pollutec, AI water management
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