Haïzer, a commune in the high mountains, is home to 22,000 inhabitants and covers an area of 84 km². Located near Tikjda, a popular tourist destination, Haïzer has struggled to develop its agricultural and tourist sectors. According to Akli Abdou, the town's mayor, the commune was in a catastrophic state when he took office in December 2017, with a huge debt of over six billion centimes and an inability to generate significant revenue.
The town's financial woes were compounded by poor management, with accumulated debts of six billion centimes to suppliers between 2009 and 2017. This led to debit orders and court decisions that hindered the commune's progress. Abdou stated that his administration has worked to address these issues and improve services, with a focus on priority areas such as water supply, roads, and sanitation.
In the road construction sector, Haïzer has secured 15 projects, including 13 bitumen roads and two bridges over the Tassala oued. Additional road projects are planned, while in the hydraulic sector, 13 projects have been implemented, including six water supply pipeline projects and two sanitation projects. A new well is being drilled in the village of Tikboucht to improve water supply.
The town's water supply issues are significant, with some areas, such as Tikboucht, receiving water only once every ten days. A new 500m³ reservoir is being built in Tikboucht, and two more reservoirs are planned for Ighil Zougaghen and Slim. The town's main water source, the Koudiet Acerdoune dam, supplies four localities, but the water pressure is too high, causing pipe ruptures.
Haïzer has also made progress in other areas, including the renovation of the town's infrastructure. A project to upgrade the town's drainage system is underway, and a new wall has been built in Tikboucht to prevent erosion. The town has also invested in the renovation of its cemetery, with a 350 million centime budget allocated for the refurbishment of tombstones.
The town's agricultural sector, which is a key area of focus, has struggled to develop due to a lack of irrigation. Mayor Abdou has called for the development of a new irrigation system, which would enable the cultivation of over 3,000 hectares of land between Haizer and Taghzout. Four agricultural road projects have been implemented, with one still underway.
Despite the challenges, Haïzer has made progress in other areas, including energy and education. The town has been supplied with natural gas to three localities, with work underway to extend this to other areas. The town's mayor has expressed hopes that the new local authorities will support the development of the agricultural sector and help to address the town's economic challenges.
Key points
- Haïzer's economic struggles are attributed to poor management and a lack of investment in infrastructure.
- The town has made progress in road construction, hydraulic projects, and other areas.
- The development of the agricultural sector is crucial to the town's economic growth, and a new irrigation system is needed to support this.
