The municipality of Afir, located in the wilaya of Boumerdès, Algeria, has been working to boost its development despite being one of the poorest regions in the area. With a population of over 17,000 inhabitants spread across 30 villages, Afir's economy relies heavily on state aid. The commune is known for its high-quality vineyards, considered among the best in North Africa, as well as its pristine and wild beaches, such as Lehssar, Thimezoueghth, and Les Salines.
Afir's municipal council, led by the youngest P/APC in Algeria, Sofiane Oumelal, has been working to address the commune's multiple shortcomings. Oumelal, a member of the RCD party, has been in office for some time and has managed to steer the commune back on track. However, the municipality faces significant financial constraints, with a budget that barely exceeds 6 billion DA, and a supplementary budget of less than 5 billion DA. The majority of the budget is allocated to employee salaries and operational costs, leaving limited funds for development projects.
According to Oumelal, the commune's limited budget hinders its ability to respond to the population's needs. The municipality has requested assistance from the wali to establish a zone of activity and deposits, which would help stimulate investment and economic growth. The wali has promised to facilitate the process, particularly with the direction of Mines. However, it will take time to launch this zone and attract investments. Oumelal also highlighted that the commune lacks the authority to decide on its own development, as the industrial land is managed by the local administration.
Despite these challenges, the municipality has made progress in several areas. The study for a tourist extension zone, covering 9 km, has been approved by the Ministry of Tourism and Handicrafts. A call for tender is being prepared to launch the studies and works for the viabilization and allocation of lots to potential investors. The commune has also proposed the creation of a recreational forest in Mizrana, and several private investors have expressed interest in installing parks and animal attractions in the region.
Afir's coastline has long been neglected and underdeveloped. However, the municipal council has launched development projects, including the renovation of the "Les Salines" beach, which previously had no access. The project cost 3 million DA, and further developments are planned once the tourism zone's development plan is finalized. The commune has also won the third prize in the wilaya's best beach competition, earning a 3 million DA reward.
In terms of infrastructure development, the commune has benefited from 13 equipment projects under the PCD and 4 others financed by the FCCL. These projects include rural electrification programs in Zaouia and other villages. The municipal council has also focused on addressing the population's needs, including the provision of drinking water. Several operations have been launched to improve the water supply, including the completion of a pipeline connecting Afir's reservoir to Ighil El Kdoun, which will reinforce the water supply to villages in the northwest.
The municipality has also made progress in sanitation, with a project to connect most of the villages to the sewage network. A budget of 11 million DA has been allocated to connect the villages of Maafa and Tilzazine to the network. Other projects have been launched to improve the road network, including the construction of new roads and the renovation of existing ones. Despite the challenges, Oumelal emphasized that the municipal council has worked hard to ensure the commune's development and provide services to its citizens.
Key points
- The municipality of Afir faces significant financial constraints, with a limited budget that hinders its ability to respond to the population's needs.
- The commune has made progress in several areas, including tourism development, infrastructure projects, and the provision of drinking water.
- The municipal council has requested assistance from the wali to establish a zone of activity and deposits, which would help stimulate investment and economic growth.
