A group of 137 people in Sour El-Ghozlane, Algeria, staged a sit-in protest in front of the local wilaya office, demanding answers over their exclusion from a list of 661 social housing beneficiaries announced in October. The protesters claim they were unfairly left off the list and are seeking an explanation for the decision. They also called for intervention from the wali and the president of the Bouira Provincial Assembly.
The protesters had previously organized a sit-in in October in front of the Sour El-Ghozlane daïra office and ten of them even went on a hunger strike to demand their reinstatement on the list. They claim that they have not received any justification for their exclusion and that local officials have not provided them with any explanation. The protesters say they are living in difficult conditions, with some residing in makeshift shelters and others in cramped and inhumane conditions.
According to one of the protesters, the local community is aware of their situation and some local officials have even expressed their support. However, the protesters claim that they have not been received by any officials at the wilaya level to discuss their situation. They are seeking a review of their applications and the implementation of promises made by the president of the Provincial Assembly and the wali.
The protesters are demanding that their applications be re-examined and that they be given a chance to benefit from the social housing program. They claim that they have submitted appeals to the wilaya's appeals commission, but have not received any response. The situation has been ongoing for several months, with the protesters seeking a resolution to their issue.
A delegation of protesters was received by members of the Provincial Assembly at the time of reporting. The assembly members may play a role in resolving the issue, but it is unclear what actions they will take. The protesters remain hopeful that their situation will be addressed and that they will be able to benefit from the social housing program.
The issue highlights the challenges faced by many Algerians in accessing affordable housing. The social housing program is intended to provide housing for low-income individuals and families, but the process of allocating units has been criticized for being opaque and unfair. The protesters in Sour El-Ghozlane are just one example of the many groups and individuals seeking resolution to their housing issues.
The situation in Sour El-Ghozlane remains unresolved, with the protesters awaiting a response from the authorities. The issue has sparked debate about the need for greater transparency and accountability in the allocation of social housing units. The protesters are seeking a fair and just solution to their situation, and it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to their demands.
Key points
- 137 people protested in Bouira over exclusion from 661 social housing units
- Protesters claim they were unfairly left off the list and are seeking an explanation
- The situation highlights the challenges faced by many Algerians in accessing affordable housing
