Housing Minister Directs Forest Housing Law Commission Formation

Mohamed Tarek Belaribi, Algeria's Minister of Housing, Urban Planning, and the City, and Urban Development, officially supervised the establishment of an intersectoral commission on Wednesday, September 16, 2026. This new body is specifically tasked with preparing a law related to construction and housing in forest areas, with the aim of ensuring resident protection and mitigating the risks associated with forest fires.

The commission's formation directly implements directives issued by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune during a working meeting held on August 30, 2026. This earlier meeting focused on outlining necessary measures to address the aftermath of forest fires that had impacted several eastern and central wilayas of the country, highlighting the government's proactive response to public safety and environmental preservation.

Comprising representatives from various ministerial sectors and relevant national bodies, including the Ministries of National Defense, Interior, Justice, Finance, and Environment, alongside technical institutions and universities, the commission boasts broad expertise. Its mandate includes reviewing existing legislative, regulatory, and technical frameworks for building and housing in and around forest areas. The body is expected to produce a draft law, culminating its work within twenty days from its official installation, proposing a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework to govern these specific conditions.