In the high Soummam valley, six new communes south of the provincial capital have been selected to benefit from the Tichy Haf dam's water supply. The communes of Tazmalt, Ighram, Aït R'zine, Boudjellil, Ath M'likèche, and Ighil Ali will receive water through a large-scale transfer project. The project includes water supply lines, pumping stations, storage facilities, and a treatment plant with an initial capacity of 400 liters per second, expandable to 600 liters per second.
The project, funded by sectoral credits, is estimated to cost 900 billion centimes. According to a water resources directorate official, all administrative procedures, including technical studies, consultations, and market tendering, have been completed. The construction company is ready to start work, but is being blocked by citizens who refuse to allow the project to cross their land. Experts have been appointed to handle expropriation procedures.
The project management authority prioritizes communication and consultation with citizens to find a mutually acceptable solution. They stress the need for public understanding and cooperation to overcome the obstacles hindering the project. Local authorities and associations are urged to contribute to resolving the issue and making up for lost time, which is detrimental to the project's progress.
An elected official from Aït R'zine, one of the six communes affected by the project, expressed his municipality's willingness to help overcome the obstacles. He stated that the commune has long suffered from a severe water shortage and that the Tichy Haf dam project is crucial to resolving this crisis. The official emphasized that it is essential to make every effort to ensure the project's success.
In Ighram, local authorities have also expressed their willingness to cooperate. A commune staff member stated that the municipal council is prepared to work with anyone who seeks their assistance. He highlighted the acute shortage of potable water in Ighram and the suffering of the local population. The official stressed that it is the council's responsibility to act and implement all necessary measures to ensure that every household has access to sufficient water.
The project's delay is having significant consequences, and local residents are eager to see it completed. The water shortage in the region has been a long-standing issue, and the Tichy Haf dam project is seen as a vital solution. However, the opposition from some citizens has hindered progress, and it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved.
The project's success is crucial for the region, and all parties involved are working to find a solution. The water resources directorate and local authorities are committed to completing the project, which will significantly improve the living conditions of the local population. The project's outcome will have a lasting impact on the region, and its completion is eagerly anticipated.
Key points
- The project aims to supply water to six communes in Béjaïa province.
- The project has been blocked by local opposition due to concerns over land acquisition.
- The project's completion will significantly improve the water supply and living conditions in the region.
