The Route nationale n° 25, a major road connecting Draâ El-Mizan to Draâ Ben Khedda, has been plagued by sinkholes for years. The road runs alongside a river, making it prone to erosion. Recently, a new sinkhole appeared at Tachilmount, near the exit of Aït Yahia Moussa, heading towards Tizi-Ouzou. This has raised concerns among road users, who fear that heavy rainfall could cause the road to collapse, isolating the region.
Transporters and locals are worried about the potential consequences of inaction. "The road could be cut off, and if that happens, the region will be completely isolated," said a transporteur from Aït Yahia Moussa. The expansion of the river by the Algerian National Agency for Hydraulic and Irrigation Resources (ANBT) may also lead to further sinkholes along the road. Residents have already alerted authorities to the risks, calling for them to take responsibility.
This is not an isolated issue, as other sinkholes have appeared between Aït Yahia Moussa and Draâ El-Mizan. Although warning signs have been posted, these sinkholes remain a significant danger to road users. Last year, an accident occurred at Maâmar when a driver swerved to avoid a sinkhole and lost control, resulting in his death. The condition of the road has been deteriorating over time, with many potholes and cracks.
The problems with the road network in Aït Yahia Moussa are not limited to the main roads. Village paths are also in a poor state, with little to no maintenance. The roads are littered with debris, and drainage systems are clogged with trash. Residents of Hellil have reported another sinkhole on the road to their village, highlighting the need for urgent attention to the road network in this rural municipality.
The lack of maintenance and upkeep has led to calls for the creation of communal cleaning companies. Residents suggest that designating permanent maintenance teams for each main road could help prevent such issues. This approach, reminiscent of the past, could ensure that roads are properly maintained throughout the year.
Local authorities have been urged to take action to address the concerns of road users. With the rainy season approaching, the risk of further sinkholes and road collapses is high. If left unchecked, these issues could have severe consequences for the region, including isolation and accidents.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, residents and road users are growing increasingly frustrated. They are calling for swift action to repair and maintain the road network, ensuring safe passage for all users. The authorities must now take responsibility for addressing these concerns and finding a solution to the problems plaguing the roads in Aït Yahia Moussa.
Key points
- Repeated sinkholes on Route nationale n° 25 pose a significant threat to road users and the region's connectivity.
