Algerian Minister of Hydraulics Lounès Bouzegza has announced that his ministry has taken necessary measures to guarantee the safety of water for citizens living near Oued Mouilah, which flows into the Hammam Boughrara dam in Tlemcen. The measures aim to prevent polluted water from Morocco from reaching the citizens. Bouzegza made the announcement during a plenary session at the National People's Assembly, addressing oral questions.
Bouzegza's ministry has implemented various devices to ensure water safety for residents near Oued Mouilah and prevent polluted water from Morocco from reaching them. A desalination plant with a production capacity of 300,000 cubic meters is being built in Marsa Ben M'hidi, Tlemcen, to supply the wilaya and neighboring areas. Additionally, a program for wastewater treatment plants in the Maghnia daïra is underway.
A specialized commission comprising experts and domain specialists has been established to monitor water quality and conduct periodic analyses to ensure compliance with health standards. The commission will analyze water samples from the dam and provide regular updates on the results. Bouzegza emphasized the importance of informing citizens about the analysis results and details.
Analyses of the water in Oued Mouilah have revealed unacceptable indicators, including increased ammonia levels and decreased oxygen levels. The minister described the dumping of waste and polluted water into the oued as inadmissible, citing its harm to humans, animals, and the environment. The pollution affects not only humans and animals but also vegetation, with some plant species disappearing and toxic species appearing.
The pollution has caused significant damage to olive trees, with changes in their condition and the appearance of harmful parasites. Bouzegza attributed these phenomena to the polluting and toxic substances flowing through the oued from the border zone to the Hammam Boughrara dam. The minister's statements highlight the severity of the situation and the need for urgent action.
A high-level ministerial delegation, led by Minister of Interior and Local Authorities Brahim Merad, visited Tlemcen on Tuesday, following instructions from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. The delegation assessed the environmental and health consequences of the pollution and took measures to address the issue. The visit demonstrates the government's commitment to addressing the crisis.
The Algerian government's response to the pollution crisis in Oued Mouilah aims to mitigate its effects on citizens' health and the environment. The measures announced by Minister Bouzegza and the visit by the ministerial delegation underscore the government's efforts to address the issue and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Key points
- Algerian government takes emergency measures to address pollution in Oued Mouilah.
