Water Purchase Contracts Finalized for Five Strategic Desalination Plants
Contracts for the purchase and sale of water were officially signed on Thursday, October 29, 2026, between Algérienne des Eaux and the Algerian Water Desalination Company, a subsidiary of the Sonatrach complex. The ceremony, held at the headquarters of the Ministry of Hydrocarbons, was overseen by the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Hydrocarbons, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Finance, and the Inspector General of the Ministry of Water Resources. The General Manager of Algérienne des Eaux signed on behalf of their institution, while the chairmen of the boards of directors of the five major seawater desalination plants represented the Algerian Water Desalination Company, with other senior officials in attendance.
These five major desalination plants are strategically located in El Tarf, Bejaia, Boumerdes, Tipaza, and Oran. They are integral to the second complementary program, which received approval from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. The plants commenced operations at the beginning of 2025, contributing significantly to the nation's infrastructure for water provision.
The newly signed contracts aim to complete the contractual process between the two entities, fostering greater integration between desalinated water production and distribution systems. They are designed to institutionalize sustainable management mechanisms for these vital strategic facilities, ensure their regular operation, maintain technical readiness and productivity, and protect the significant public investments made in this critical sector, thereby enhancing Algeria's national water security.
