Interior Wilayas Gain Desalinated Water Access, Cooperation Eyed with Saudi Firm

The Algerian Water Desalination Company is exploring cooperation prospects with Saudi Abunayyan Holding, signaling a move towards enhancing water management capabilities through international partnerships. Simultaneously, Algeria is advancing plans to significantly expand the supply of desalinated water to several interior wilayas, marking a proactive approach to national water security. These initiatives underscore the state's commitment to reinforcing its hydraulic resources and ensuring a balanced distribution of water across the country.

Projects currently underway include the establishment of an integrated system of transfer and connection channels designed to deliver desalinated water to previously underserved interior regions. Specific plans involve connecting the 300,000 m³ per day Tlemcen desalination plant to Tlemcen, Sidi Bel Abbès, Saïda, and Naâma via a 727 km network. Similarly, the 300,000 m³ per day Chlef plant will supply Chlef, Ain Defla, Médéa, and Tissemsilt through a 435 km network, while the Mostaganem plant will link Mostaganem, Relizane, Tiaret, and Tissemsilt via a 317 km network.

Further connections are being implemented to integrate other wilayas with existing stations such as Fouka 2, Koudiet Eddraouch, Cap Djinet, and Tighremt. These extensive projects were recently reviewed in a meeting chaired by the Minister of Hydraulics, Lounès Bouzgza, where detailed presentations outlined the technical and administrative preparations. The overarching objective, as articulated by the Ministry of Hydraulics, is to materialize the state's policy to bolster water security and guarantee an equitable distribution of water resources nationwide, a goal further supported by potential international collaborations like that with Abunayyan Holding.