Algeria's Minister of Hydraulics, Lounes Bouzegza, has initiated projects to connect three desalination plants in Tlemcen, Mostaganem, and Chlef to the national water supply network. The projects aim to strengthen the country's water security, ensure a sustainable water supply, and diversify water sources. The minister launched the projects in the Tlemcen province, emphasizing their strategic importance in meeting the needs of over 9 million inhabitants by 2050.

The projects involve the construction of over 250 km of water transfer pipelines, pumping stations, and reservoirs, as well as modern management and surveillance systems. These systems will protect the infrastructure from corrosion, improve operational efficiency, and ensure long-term durability. The Algerian Water Company (ADE) is overseeing the projects, which are being implemented by national specialized companies, including Cosider and GERHYD.

The project to connect the desalination plant in Aïn-Ajroud, Tlemcen, has been allocated over 66 billion Algerian dinars. The project includes the construction of over 105 km of water transfer pipelines, three pumping stations, and two reservoirs with a combined capacity of 75,000 cubic meters. This project is expected to improve the water supply for approximately 2.2 million inhabitants by 2050 in Tlemcen and Sidi Bel-Abbès provinces.

The project to connect the desalination plant in Mostaganem has been allocated over 55 billion Algerian dinars. The project involves the construction of around 110 km of pipelines, three pumping stations, and four storage reservoirs. This project aims to supply water to Mostaganem and Relizane provinces, benefiting nearly 2.9 million inhabitants by 2050.

The project to connect the desalination plant in Chlef has been allocated over 97 billion Algerian dinars. The project includes the construction of over 233 km of water transfer pipelines, four pumping stations, and eight reservoirs. This project will extend the water supply to inland regions, ensuring a water supply for approximately 4 million inhabitants by 2050 in Chlef, Aïn Defla, and Médéa provinces.

The minister emphasized that these projects are crucial in developing the country's desalination capacity, not only increasing water production but also completing the supply chain by linking production infrastructure to transportation, storage, and distribution networks. This will ensure a consistent water supply and improve public services.

The Algerian government continues to invest in developing national hydraulic infrastructure, strengthening water supply capabilities, and expanding the use of desalinated water to meet citizen needs and support sustainable development. The projects are expected to be completed and operational soon, providing a reliable source of water for millions of Algerians.

Key points

  • The projects aim to strengthen Algeria's water security and ensure a sustainable water supply for over 9 million inhabitants by 2050.
  • The projects involve the construction of over 250 km of water transfer pipelines, pumping stations, and reservoirs.
  • The Algerian government has allocated significant funds to support the development of the country's desalination capacity.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.