Tebboune-Approved Desalination Project Enters Building Phase
Moulaoud Hachlaf, Assistant President and General Manager of the Algerian Water Desalination Company, a Sonatrach subsidiary, affirmed that seawater desalination has become a strategic tool to enhance national water security and support the industrial fabric, particularly the petrochemical sector. Speaking in Oran on the sidelines of the 14th edition of the NAPEC 2026 exhibition and conference, Mr. Hachlaf highlighted the critical role these facilities play in meeting Algeria's water needs and fostering industrial growth.
The services provided by seawater desalination plants have expanded to supply major industrial hubs. For instance, the Kahrama station, operated by the company in Arzew, directs over half of its production to the local petrochemical industrial zone. A similar project for the industrial zone in Skikda was initiated last June. Hachlaf noted the high performance of these facilities, stating that the five largest desalination plants nationwide, including the Ras El Abiodh plant in Oran, have operated at full production capacity. These plants collectively have supplied more than 500 million cubic meters of potable water since becoming operational, with each facility contributing over 100 million cubic meters. This achievement underscores the success in managing and maintaining these vital installations with Algerian expertise and efforts.
Regarding the implementation of the second complementary program for large seawater desalination plants, approved by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Mr. Hachlaf revealed a rapid pace of progress for its first phase. This initial phase encompasses the wilayas of Tlemcen, Mostaganem, and Chlef, with national companies entrusted with its execution. Works have reached advanced stages in preparation, topographical, and engineering operations, with the initial concrete pouring scheduled to commence in the coming days. This marks the transition to the actual construction and equipment installation phase, further cementing Algeria's water independence and industrial support capabilities.
