The Algerian government is working to restore a damaged interchange in Azazga, a town located in the Tizi Ouzou Province. The interchange, which connects the town to a bypass, was severely damaged in January due to a landslide caused by heavy rainfall. According to Smail Rabhi, the Director of Public Works, the restoration project is expected to be completed by April. The damage was extensive, with a 200-meter section of the interchange affected.
The landslide caused significant damage to the interchange, with a large section of the road collapsing. Local authorities, led by the Wali (Governor) Abdelhakim Chater, quickly responded to the disaster and took urgent measures to assess the damage and plan for repairs. A ministerial commission was dispatched to the site to evaluate the situation and develop a plan to restore the interchange. The commission recommended relocating a water conduit that runs under the road to prevent further damage.
The restoration project involves two main interventions: relocating the water conduit and repairing the damaged road. Two private companies have been contracted to carry out the work, which is expected to cost 40 million dinars. According to Rabhi, the project is currently in the phase of relocating the conduit, which was delayed due to bad weather but is now progressing well. The Director of Public Works expressed confidence that the project will be completed on schedule.
The landslide that damaged the interchange was caused by a combination of factors, including the location of the road in a zone prone to landslides and the presence of an old water conduit that runs under the road. According to Rabhi, the conduit, which was not designed to handle the stress of the landslide, was a contributing factor to the damage. The studies conducted before the construction of the interchange did not anticipate the landslide risk, Rabhi noted.
The Wali, Abdelhakim Chater, visited the site to inspect the progress of the work and encourage the workers. During the visit, he instructed the responsible authorities to create a map of natural water sources in the area. The Wali emphasized the importance of identifying and managing underground water sources to prevent future landslides. He also highlighted the need to exploit these water sources while minimizing the risk of landslides.
The restoration project is expected to be completed within a month and a half, with the interchange scheduled to reopen in April. According to Rabhi, the project is progressing well, and the authorities are confident that it will be completed on schedule. The Algerian government has allocated significant resources to restore the interchange and prevent future damage.
The restoration of the Azazga interchange is a priority for the Algerian authorities, who are working to minimize the impact of the damage on the local community. The project is expected to improve road safety and connectivity in the region. Key points: - The Algerian government plans to restore the Azazga interchange by April at a cost of 40 million dinars. - The interchange was damaged by a landslide caused by heavy rainfall in January. - The restoration project involves relocating a water conduit and repairing the damaged road.
