Algeria's Minister of Hydraulics, Lounès Bouzegza, has initiated a major project to provide potable water to the city of El Eulma and 15 other communes in the northeastern part of Sétif province. The project, which has a budget of 18 billion dinars, aims to distribute approximately 166,000 cubic meters of water per day. This initiative is part of the government's efforts to diversify water sources, enhance security and sustainability of the water supply, and ensure a national balance in water distribution.
The project involves the construction of new water supply infrastructure, which will be built using Algerian expertise. The works are expected to be completed within 15 months, and the project will benefit nearly 600,000 inhabitants, with the population expected to grow to around 750,000 by 2040. The minister emphasized that this project will help alleviate the deficit in potable water supply in the region and improve public services.
The project is aligned with the instructions of Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to improve the country's water supply infrastructure. The government aims to strengthen the security and sustainability of the water supply across the country through an ambitious program to develop hydraulic infrastructure and enhance public services. The minister highlighted that the challenges facing the country include diversifying water sources and ensuring the sustainability of the water supply.
The Sétif province's water supply strategy extends beyond this project, as it also involves using desalinated seawater for the northern part of the province and reinforcing the southern part with new wells. This approach aims to ensure a balanced and sustainable distribution of water across the province. Additionally, the minister mentioned the importance of exploiting non-conventional water resources, such as treated wastewater, which can be reused for agricultural purposes.
The province of Sétif has nine wastewater treatment plants, four of which have undergone rehabilitation and tertiary treatment. This enables the reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation, supporting agricultural activities in the region. The minister noted that these resources will contribute to irrigating significant agricultural areas, particularly in the Mezloug region and other zones, thereby enhancing the local economy and water security.
The launch of this ambitious project marks a significant step towards improving the water supply in Sétif province. The project will be implemented by Algerian companies, showcasing their capabilities in executing large-scale hydraulic projects using modern technologies, including remote control and management systems. The minister emphasized that this project aligns with the government's vision to strengthen water security and promote local economic development.
The project to supply El Eulma and 15 communes with potable water is one of several initiatives aimed at addressing the country's water supply challenges. The Algerian government continues to invest in water infrastructure to ensure a reliable and sustainable water supply for its citizens. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the region's water security and contribute to the country's overall economic development.
Key points
- The Algerian government has launched an $18 billion project to supply El Eulma and 15 communes with potable water.
- The project aims to distribute approximately 166,000 cubic meters of water per day and benefit nearly 600,000 inhabitants.
- The initiative is part of the government's efforts to diversify water sources, enhance security and sustainability of the water supply, and ensure a national balance in water distribution.
