Published: Thursday, October 24, 2024, 16:02 | Category: Society
Algiers – The Algerian Ministry of Public Works and Infrastructure is preparing new decrees aimed at tackling the issue of random road digging and the uncontrolled spread of speed bumps, according to the sector’s minister, Lakhdar Rekhroukh, during his address today in the capital.
Speaking at a public session dedicated to oral questions at the National People’s Assembly (APN), chaired by Vice President Rachid Zein and attended by the Minister for Relations with Parliament, Basma Azouar, along with other government officials, Mr. Rekhroukh explained the key measures planned. He noted that an executive decree is being drafted to regulate the conditions and procedures for depositing a guarantee to restore public roads to their original condition. The decree mandates that before any work begins—particularly those related to sewage systems, electricity, gas, or fiber optics—contractors must deposit a guarantee covering the cost of restoring the affected roads, ensuring they meet technical and engineering standards.
The draft decree will also introduce a specifications booklet outlining proper procedures for road excavation during construction and guidelines for restoring roads post-work. This initiative aligns with the country’s existing laws on road network licenses, which oblige license holders to promptly remove debris, waste, and construction materials upon project completion, and immediately repair any damage caused to the road or its infrastructure, including sidewalks and other affected structures.
Measures to Regulate Speed Bumps
Addressing the issue of unregulated speed bumps, Minister Rekhroukh emphasized that the ministry is working to eliminate the excessive and uncoordinated placement of these structures across the national road network. In cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior, Local Authorities, and Urban Development, a joint ministerial decree is being prepared to regulate and standardize the installation of speed bumps on public roads.
Progress on Regional Infrastructure Projects
Responding to a query about connecting the municipalities of Ain Sekhouna (Saïda Province) and El Rogassa (El Bayadh Province), the minister noted that technical studies have been completed for a 25 km stretch, and an additional study for the remaining 35 km section has been proposed under the 2025 Finance Law.
Regarding the road linking the provinces of El Meniaa and Ghardaïa, the minister confirmed that the technical studies are finalized, and financial adjustments are currently underway. This adjustment follows the transfer of the project’s jurisdiction from Ghardaïa to the newly created province of El Meniaa.
In another update, Minister Rekhroukh reported that 55% of the dual carriageway between the municipalities of Bou Saada and El Hamel (M’Sila Province) has been completed since the project’s start on January 7, 2024. The project is expected to be delivered by the first quarter of 2025.
Timely Progress on Blida Province Projects
Finally, the minister confirmed that ongoing projects in Blida Province are progressing according to schedule. For instance, 35% of the northern bypass road construction for the new city of Bouinan—a 6.2 km stretch starting from Provincial Road No. 111 toward the city’s western entrance—has already been completed.
For more detailed coverage of Algeria’s infrastructure developments and government efforts, visit our website: DZWATCH.DZ
Author: nor-eleslam
Public Works, Algeria Infrastructure, Road Safety, Speed Bumps, National Road Network
