The Algerian government has taken a significant step towards bolstering its water security by signing new contracts between the Algerian Water Company and the Algerian Company for Water Desalination, a subsidiary of the Sonatrach group. The agreements, signed on Thursday, aim to complete the contractual process between the two entities and enhance integration between water production and distribution. The signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Hydrocarbons, attended by high-ranking officials from various sectors.

The contracts were signed by the General Manager of the Algerian Water Company and the Chairmen of the Boards of Directors of the five major seawater desalination plants, located in the provinces of El Tarf, Bejaia, Boumerdes, Tipaza, and Oran. These plants are part of the second complementary program for seawater desalination, approved by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, which became operational in early 2025. The new agreements are expected to ensure the regular operation of these plants and protect public investments.

The main objective of these contracts is to guarantee the continuous and efficient operation of the desalination plants, maintain their technical readiness, and optimize their productivity. This move is part of the government's efforts to enhance national water security by improving coordination between institutions responsible for producing and distributing desalinated water. The contracts are also expected to promote the effective use of production capacities and ensure the continuity of public services.

The Algerian government has been working to strengthen its water security, particularly in the face of growing demands on water resources. The country's water needs are expected to increase in the coming years, driven by population growth, urbanization, and economic development. The new contracts are seen as a crucial step towards meeting these demands and ensuring a stable water supply for the population.

The Sonatrach group, Algeria's largest energy company, plays a vital role in the country's water sector, particularly through its subsidiary, the Algerian Company for Water Desalination. The company operates several major desalination plants, which contribute significantly to the country's water production. The new contracts are expected to further enhance the company's capabilities and ensure the efficient operation of its desalination plants.

The Algerian Water Company, responsible for the distribution of water, will work closely with the Algerian Company for Water Desalination to ensure the smooth operation of the desalination plants and the delivery of water to consumers. The two companies will need to coordinate their efforts to meet the country's growing water demands and ensure a reliable water supply.

The new contracts are a significant step towards achieving Algeria's water security goals, and their implementation is expected to have a positive impact on the country's water sector. The government's efforts to enhance coordination between institutions responsible for water production and distribution are seen as crucial to ensuring a stable and reliable water supply for the population.

Key points

  • Algeria signs new contracts to boost water security by improving coordination between water production and distribution.
  • The contracts aim to ensure the regular operation of desalination plants and protect public investments.
  • The agreements are part of the government's efforts to enhance national water security and meet growing water demands.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.