The municipal executive of Ouzellaguen, Algeria, recently organized a meeting with the local population at the communal library. The event provided an opportunity for municipal officials to review sensitive issues and inform citizens about projects registered for the benefit of their commune. The meeting was attended by various stakeholders, who engaged in discussions on the current state of affairs in the town.
The mayor of Ouzellaguen, Rachid Beldjoudi, began his address by highlighting the town's financial situation, which is currently facing challenges. He stated that since the 2017 finance law, the majority of the town's revenue has been managed by the central government through the guarantee and solidarity fund between communes. Beldjoudi emphasized that the town's financial woes are not a result of poor local management.
One of the key issues discussed during the meeting was the housing situation in Ouzellaguen. The mayor reported that 600 social housing units, part of the 2012 program, have been completed but remain undelivered due to a lack of internal roads and infrastructure. Similarly, the distribution of 536 housing units under the RHP program is also pending for the same reason.
The meeting also touched on other pressing issues, including the delayed implementation of various projects. For instance, the construction of 180 social housing units, part of the 2018 and 2019 programs, has been slow, with only one batch of 50 units having commenced. Furthermore, the extension of the natural gas network to 14 remote villages has been stalled, despite being registered since 2018.
The meeting also raised concerns about the status of several key infrastructure projects. The construction of a civil protection unit in the village of Hellouane is ongoing, although it was initially slated for completion in 2019. Additionally, the equipment of the local polyclinic with a radiology machine has been a subject of discussion, with citizens expressing frustration over the delay.
During the meeting, citizens and municipal officials alike expressed their concerns and frustrations with the current state of affairs in Ouzellaguen. The mayor emphasized that the municipal authority has limited control over sectoral projects and attributed the delays to the administration. He expressed frustration that the administration often fails to consult with the municipal authority.
The meeting concluded with a call to action, as citizens and officials alike stressed the need for collective action to address the town's challenges. The parties present agreed on the importance of organization and mobilization to drive positive change in Ouzellaguen. Key issues, such as the need for infrastructure development and improved service delivery, were highlighted as priorities for the town's development.
Key points
- The town's financial situation is a major challenge, with the municipal authority relying on the central government for support.
- The housing situation in Ouzellaguen remains a pressing issue, with hundreds of units awaiting completion and distribution.
- Citizens and officials are calling for collective action to address the town's challenges and drive positive change.
