Algeria's Ministry of Hydraulic has made significant strides in addressing the issue of water leaks in the country's distribution networks. According to Abdelaziz Lardjoum, Director of Studies at the ministry, 10 million cubic meters of water have been recovered since the beginning of 2026. This achievement is a result of extensive efforts to repair and maintain the aging infrastructure, which has been a major challenge for the country's water supply.
The issue of water leaks is a pressing concern in Algeria, with many of the country's water distribution networks dating back to the post-colonial era. Lardjoum attributed the leaks to the "vintage of the conduit networks" and emphasized the need for renovation and modernization. To address this issue, the ministry has launched awareness campaigns to encourage citizens to report any water leaks they encounter.
The ministry has also implemented measures to prevent water leaks caused by acts of vandalism, including pipe tapping. Lardjoum revealed that several operations have been programmed to renovate networks and combat leaks, and that those responsible for such acts would face penalties, including imprisonment. He also noted that many cases of vandalism are resolved amicably.
In 2026, the ministry recorded over 200,000 water leaks, with half of them rehabilitated. This has resulted in the recovery of 10 million cubic meters of water. Additionally, the ministry reported over 10,300 cases of pipe tapping, which is a significant decrease compared to the previous year.
Lardjoum highlighted the ministry's efforts to improve the public service, with a budget of 23 billion dinars allocated for this purpose. He expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far, citing a decrease in complaints compared to the previous year.
The recovery of 10 million cubic meters of water is a significant achievement for the Algerian authorities, who have been working to address the issue of water leaks for several years. The ministry's efforts to modernize the country's water distribution networks and prevent leaks are expected to continue in the coming years.
The issue of water leaks is not only an economic concern but also an environmental one. The loss of water due to leaks can have significant impacts on the country's water resources, particularly in a region where water scarcity is a pressing issue. The ministry's efforts to address this issue are therefore crucial for the country's sustainable development.
Key points
- Algeria recovers 10 million cubic meters of water from leaks in 2026.
- The country's water distribution networks are aging and in need of renovation.
- The ministry has allocated 23 billion dinars to improve the public service.
