National Strategy Targets 60% Desalinated Water in Supply
Algeria has adopted seawater desalination as a strategic choice to address challenges posed by water scarcity and climate change. The nation's desalination plants currently boast a total production capacity of 3.6 million cubic meters daily, contributing approximately 40% of the country's drinking water supply. This figure is projected to rise to 60% upon the completion of ongoing projects, underscoring Algeria's commitment to enhancing its water security.
This strategic direction is rooted in a national program approved by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, which includes the construction of five major seawater desalination plants, each designed to produce 300,000 cubic meters per day. These facilities are located in Ras El Blanc (Oran), Fouka 2 (Tipaza), Koudiet Draouche (El Tarf), Ras Djinet 2 (Boumerdes), and Tighremt (Bejaia). President Tebboune inaugurated the Ras El Blanc, Fouka 2, and Koudiet Draouche plants in February 2025, followed by the inauguration of Ras Djinet 2 in March of the same year. The Tighremt plant in Bejaia has also commenced its initial water flow phase as part of its operational commissioning. When fully functional, these five plants alone will add 1.5 million cubic meters to the daily production capacity.
The national strategy extends beyond plant construction to encompass the development of extensive connection networks, crucial for transporting and distributing desalinated water to beneficiary regions. The Minister of Water Resources has allocated 352 billion dinars within the 2027 investment program for the completion of long-distance connections for desalination plants in Chlef, Mostaganem, and Tlemcen. Overall efforts are continuing to further increase the total production capacity of desalination plants to 4.5 million cubic meters daily, aiming to expand this resource's contribution to national drinking water needs and reduce reliance on traditional sources.
Significant financial commitments have been made to the water sector, with the 2027 finance bill allocating 894.8 billion dinars in commitment authorizations, representing a 141% increase compared to 2026. Payment appropriations reached 697.4 billion dinars, a 31% rise. The investment program includes 388 new operations valued at 733.33 billion dinars, alongside the re-evaluation of 63 ongoing projects totaling 44.69 billion dinars. These investments support a broader water infrastructure development, which also encompasses the utilization of dams and wells, improved management, reuse of treated water, and the advancement of agricultural irrigation systems, all contributing to long-term water security.
