The wilaya of Tizi Ouzou in Algeria has been grappling with severe infrastructure challenges, particularly during episodes of bad weather. Floods, landslides, and road closures have become recurrent problems in the region. Smaïl Rabhi, Director of Public Works, recently discussed these issues in an interview with Radio Tizi-Ouzou, providing insights into the measures being taken to address them. According to Rabhi, the region's infrastructure is often severely impacted by heavy rainfall, resulting in significant damage and disruptions.
In response to these challenges, the Public Works department has been undertaking various measures to prepare for the winter season. These efforts include the regular clearing of ditches and watercourse maintenance. Rabhi cited the example of the RN12 road in Tadmaït, which was severely affected by flooding last year. An investigation into the incident revealed that the flooding was largely caused by human factors, including the dumping of waste and debris into the watercourse. This, combined with heavy rainfall, led to the road's closure.
The Public Works department has been working to mitigate the impact of flooding in the region. Following the 2012 and previous year's floods, the department implemented measures to prevent similar incidents. Notably, 70mm of rain fell within three hours last year, causing significant disruptions. However, this year's efforts have yielded positive results, with 104mm of rainfall recorded without major incidents, thanks to the clearing of the oued. Rabhi emphasized the importance of maintaining the watercourse and preventing the dumping of waste.
A significant challenge facing the Public Works department is the shortage of workers. Rabhi expressed concerns about the reduced workforce, which has resulted in a substantial workload for the available staff. The department requires a sufficient number of workers to focus on maintenance tasks, but the current shortage hampers their ability to effectively manage the infrastructure. Furthermore, the department faces difficulties in recruiting new staff due to the country's financial situation.
The condition of roads in Tizi Ouzou, including national, wilaya, and communal roads, is a pressing concern. Rabhi acknowledged that the infrastructure is in a state of advanced deterioration. To address this, the department has programs in place for the rehabilitation of communal roads and national highways. However, the implementation of these programs has been delayed due to various factors, including slow administrative procedures and a lack of funding.
The department is working to overcome these challenges and improve the region's infrastructure. Rabhi noted that there are plans to address the issues affecting communal roads, with some financing already secured. However, the main concern lies with the wilaya roads, which have not received funding for years. The department has made requests for financing, particularly in areas where the passage of gas and other networks has caused damage.
In light of the recent incident in Assif Azaghar, where a young person lost their life, Rabhi clarified that the affected road is a communal path under the responsibility of the commune. He emphasized the need for each entity to assume its responsibilities and take necessary actions to prevent similar incidents in the future. The Public Works department has been proactive in responding to emergencies and maintaining the region's infrastructure, and efforts will continue to address the pressing concerns in Tizi Ouzou.
Key points
- Algerian authorities are working to address infrastructure challenges in Tizi Ouzou, including road rehabilitation and flood prevention measures.
