Residents of several villages in the Bejaia countryside took to the streets, blocking the RN24 highway to demand the closure of numerous nightlife venues that have sprouted up along the coast. The protesters claim that these establishments, which include bars and cabarets, have transformed the area into a lawless zone. They argue that the proliferation of these venues has not only disrupted their quality of life but also enabled prostitution and other social ills.
The coastline in western Bejaia has seen rampant construction, with hundreds of unauthorized buildings, some of which have been erected on public maritime land. This has not only altered the area's landscape but also raised concerns about the authorities' ability to regulate development. The protesters specifically called for the closure of nightlife venues in the Boulimat area, citing the open practice of prostitution and the inability to enjoy the beach with their families.
The villagers expressed frustration that their concerns about the nightlife venues have fallen on deaf ears. Despite notifying the relevant authorities, they claim that no action has been taken to address the issue. They also pointed to a long-standing problem with land ownership in the area, where individuals have occupied large tracts of land without facing consequences. The protesters demanded that the authorities take urgent action to address these issues.
In addition to the closure of nightlife venues, the villagers are also seeking the regularization of their land ownership. They claim that the issue of land ownership on the western coast of Bejaia has been a contentious one since the mid-1990s, with individuals occupying large tracts of land without permission. The protesters argue that this has led to a situation where they are unable to develop their properties or access basic services.
The villagers also highlighted the lack of development in their area, citing the absence of basic infrastructure such as roads, water, and gas. They claimed that their villages have been neglected for years and demanded a special development plan to address their needs. The protesters argued that this would help to alleviate their suffering and bring their area out of poverty and underdevelopment.
Another issue raised by the protesters was the presence of a public dump in Boulimat, which they claim is emitting toxic fumes and odors that are affecting their health. They demanded that the dump be closed immediately. The blockade of the RN24 highway has caused inconvenience to hundreds of motorists, who were forced to take alternative routes to reach their destinations.
The protest highlights the deep-seated frustrations of the villagers, who feel that their concerns have been ignored by the authorities. The situation in western Bejaia remains tense, with no clear resolution in sight. The protesters remain committed to their demands, and it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to their concerns.
Key points
- Algerian villagers block highway to demand closure of nightlife venues
- Proliferation of nightlife venues has led to social ills and disrupted quality of life
- Villagers also demand regularization of land ownership and development plan
