A group of residents from a slum in the village of Thameur, located about 10 kilometers east of Bouira, protested outside the local wilaya office, blocking access for over 30 minutes. They demanded immediate relocation, citing deplorable living conditions. The protesters claimed that 120 families have been living in makeshift shelters without basic amenities like water, electricity, and gas for over 20 years.
The protesters expressed frustration with local authorities, accusing them of ignoring their pleas for help. One resident stated that his family has been living in a makeshift shelter with his wife and children, exposed to harsh weather conditions, and that his children suffer from respiratory problems due to the poor environment. The protesters also complained about the lack of toilets and other basic facilities.
The protesters resorted to blocking the wilaya office as a last resort to draw attention to their plight. They claimed to have approached local authorities multiple times, only to receive empty promises. The protesters wanted to meet with the top official in the wilaya to convey their distress. Police intervention eventually led to the reopening of the wilaya office, and the protesters were received by the wali's chief of staff.
Meanwhile, a separate group of residents from the new 156 Logements socio-participatifs (LSP) neighborhood in central Bouira staged a sit-in to protest the poor state of their new homes. They complained about the lack of basic infrastructure, including lighting, water pumps, and a rainwater drainage system. The residents stated that they are at risk of flooding and that the neighborhood lacks public facilities.
The LSP residents criticized the incomplete state of their neighborhood, which has been under construction for over 10 years. They pointed out that the roads are unpaved, and there is no lighting or other essential services. The residents have previously organized protests to demand the completion of their homes and the surrounding infrastructure.
The protests highlight the ongoing struggles of residents in Bouira to access basic services and decent living conditions. The situation in the Thameur slum and the LSP neighborhood underscores the need for authorities to address the housing and infrastructure needs of the community. Local officials have yet to respond to the protesters' demands.
The protests in Bouira are a reminder of the challenges faced by many Algerian communities, where residents often have to take to the streets to demand attention to their needs. The situation in Bouira will likely continue to be monitored by local authorities and residents alike, as the protesters seek a resolution to their long-standing grievances.
Key points
- Residents of a Bouira slum demand relocation due to poor living conditions.
- A separate group of residents protests the lack of infrastructure in their new neighborhood.
- The protests highlight the need for authorities to address housing and infrastructure needs in Bouira.
