In a move to enforce land regulations, Algerian authorities demolished at least five illicit constructions on the Sidi Boudrahem plateau in Béjaïa, a city located in the northern part of the country. The demolition, carried out by authorized services, targeted buildings erected on state-owned land. A total of 29 structures are slated for demolition, all built on domanial terrain. The operation was initiated following a decision made by local authorities, including the Commune's Popular Council and the Wilaya administration.
The demolition process began early in the morning but was not completed due to inadequate access for heavy machinery. A significant presence of the National Gendarmerie was deployed to ensure the operation's success. The decision to demolish these constructions was made just a day prior, on a Saturday. The buildings in question were constructed over the past few months, sparking concerns about land use and regulatory enforcement in the region.
The demolition effort was met with resistance from occupants of the buildings, who gathered at the site and later protested at the Wilaya's headquarters. They demanded explanations for the demolition orders and subsequently blocked a major street, "Rue de la Liberté." Police intervention was required to disperse the crowd and clear the road. Several individuals were arrested and taken to the central police station for further questioning.
The issue of illicit constructions in Béjaïa has been a longstanding concern among locals. Many citizens have expressed frustration that the city has become a hotspot for unauthorized building, with some noting it's easier to construct a villa without permits than to obtain one. This phenomenon has been linked to the activities of a "mafia" exploiting loopholes in land management and forestry regulations.
The Sidi Boudrahem plateau, where the demolitions took place, was initially intended for a new city project before being relocated to Oued Ghir. In November 2015, the Wilaya administration had ordered the demolition of dozens of illicit habitations on the same plateau, citing their construction on state domain. The recent demolitions reflect ongoing efforts by authorities to address unauthorized land use and enforce regulatory compliance.
Local sentiment suggests that while authorities struggle with land management and the prevention of illicit constructions, the "mafia" continues to exploit weaknesses in the system. Residents emphasize the need for more effective measures to prevent such unauthorized developments and ensure that public land is used for its intended purposes.
The situation in Béjaïa highlights the challenges faced by Algerian authorities in managing land resources and enforcing construction regulations. As the country continues to grapple with issues of urban planning and land use, incidents like the demolition on the Sidi Boudrahem plateau underscore the need for comprehensive solutions to prevent future occurrences of illicit land use.
Key points
- Algerian authorities demolished five illicit buildings on state-owned land in Béjaïa.
- A total of 29 structures are slated for demolition on the Sidi Boudrahem plateau.
- Locals express frustration over the ease of unauthorized construction in Béjaïa compared to obtaining proper permits.
