Water Minister Directs 23 Billion Dinar Program Acceleration
Minister of Water Resources, Lounes Bouzegza, recently convened a working meeting with state water directors to monitor public water service levels and assess the readiness of water facilities nationwide. The meeting focused on accelerating a new emergency program, preparing for the 2026-2027 social season, and implementing proactive measures for the upcoming autumn and winter to prevent flood risks. This program, allocated 23 billion Algerian dinars, aims to enhance maintenance and intervention capabilities and improve public water services across all states.
The Minister issued directives to expedite the implementation of this emergency initiative, emphasizing the continuous readiness of water facilities and improved operational efficiency. The substantial funding will facilitate the acquisition of essential equipment, including electromechanical devices, generators, irrigation pumps, technical intervention and maintenance tools, pumping stations, and tanker trucks. Minister Bouzegza stressed the importance of optimal utilization of these resources and swift, effective responses to malfunctions, ensuring the continuous provision of public water services across all water infrastructure.
Furthermore, preparations for the upcoming 2026-2027 social season include directives to ensure all new institutions and structures are connected to potable water distribution and sanitation networks, with their readiness verified before commissioning. The Minister underscored the need for coordinated efforts among water sector services, relevant sectors, and local authorities to address any identified issues. Concurrently, proactive measures are being taken for the autumn and winter seasons to mitigate flood risks. This involves launching field campaigns to clean valleys, waterways, sanitation networks, main outlets, and rainwater drainage channels, as well as addressing recorded "black spots" to prevent blockages and potential flooding. The Minister concluded by stressing heightened vigilance, readiness, and field coordination to proactively manage situations, thus guaranteeing public water service continuity and safeguarding citizens and infrastructure from potential future risks.
