Minister Bouzegza Details Emergency Water Plans

Minister of Water Resources Lounas Bouzegza confirmed the implementation of emergency plans aimed at enhancing drinking water supply for municipalities experiencing water scarcity. Speaking at a public session of the Council of the Nation in Algiers, the Minister outlined the sector's commitment to delivering practical solutions. The strategy focuses on implementing new projects, bolstering existing supply capabilities, and optimizing the management of water resources across affected areas.

Key initiatives include connecting vulnerable municipalities to neighboring networks, drilling new wells, and establishing additional water stations. As part of these efforts, an emergency project in the Beni Haoua district of Chlef province is underway to supply water from the KAF El Ddir Dam. This project, assigned to a specialized institution within the Water Resources sector, has reached a 65 percent completion rate. Future enhancements for the region will involve new facilities such as the Ténès and Beni Haoua stations, alongside the Sidi Yaacoub Dam, with an additional 200,000 cubic meter capacity station assigned to the Cosider group expected to commence work soon.

In Oum El Bouaghi province, particularly Ain Beida municipality, measures are being adopted to address water shortages. These include connecting to nearby municipalities, constructing new wells, and developing a station and water tank. A significant program to rehabilitate distribution channels and eliminate leaks is also in progress, addressing issues where aging networks contributed to an estimated 30 to 50 percent loss of drinking water. So far, 80 kilometers of the water network in Ain Beida have been rehabilitated, with another 61-kilometer project slated to begin shortly to further reduce leaks, following the completion of administrative procedures. The municipality of Ain Beida has also been allocated an independent daily share of 20,000 cubic meters to streamline management.

Beyond direct supply, the Minister addressed concerns regarding the accumulation of stones and weeds in riverbeds, which impede water flow, notably in Oued Chlef within Mostaganem province. Treating this issue is a priority for the sector, and a comprehensive operation to clean riverbeds has been launched, involving both public and private enterprises. This initiative underscores a broader commitment to maintaining the efficiency of water infrastructure and natural water pathways.