Algerian Water Utility Unveils Plan to Address Hydric Stress in Tizi-Ouzou

The director of the Algerian Water Utility (AWE) in Tizi-Ouzou, Amar Berzoug, has announced an ambitious program aimed at addressing the hydric stress in the region. The program, worth 2 billion dinars, was initiated by the Minister of Water Resources during his visit to the region in April. The plan includes several projects to improve the water supply infrastructure, including the renovation of the Tassadort and MTI water chains, as well as the construction of new stations.

The program aims to eliminate the points of hydric stress in the region, particularly in rural areas where some villages have gone without water for weeks or even months. The AWE has already started working on several projects, including the rehabilitation of the water network in the city of Tizi-Ouzou, which will benefit several neighborhoods. The project includes the renovation of the water supply system in the Tala Allam, Tours-villas, Bouaziz, and Sud-ouest neighborhoods.

Another key project is the transfer of water from the Tichy Haf dam, which will help alleviate the water shortage in the Bouzeguène region and its surroundings. The AWE is also planning to construct a new seawater desalination plant in Tamda Ouguemoune, which will serve the coastal communes. This project replaces the initial plan to transfer water from the Cap Djinet seawater desalination plant.

The AWE has welcomed the decision by the Ministry of Interior and Local Authorities to pay the debts of the communes, amounting to 510 million dinars. This move is expected to help the AWE improve its services and manage the water supply more effectively. The AWE has also been reinforced with additional staff and resources to manage the eight communes it does not currently serve.

To ensure the quality of the water distributed, the AWE has opened a new laboratory for water testing and monitoring. The laboratory conducts regular physico-chemical and bacteriological analyses to ensure the water meets health standards. The AWE is also working to repair water leaks and points of loss to minimize waste and ensure efficient distribution.

However, the AWE faces challenges, including a low water tariff that makes it difficult for the utility to operate efficiently. The cost of producing one cubic meter of water is around 45 dinars, but it is sold to households for 18 dinars. The AWE also faces challenges in collecting payments from households, with debts amounting to 600 million dinars.

Berzoug emphasized the importance of cooperation between the AWE, the state, and citizens to ensure the sustainability of the water supply service. He called on citizens to avoid wasting water and to pay their water bills to ensure the AWE can continue to provide a reliable service. The AWE's efforts aim to ensure that water, a vital resource, is preserved and available for future generations.

Key points

• The Algerian Water Utility has launched a 2 billion dinar program to address hydric stress in Tizi-Ouzou.
• The program includes several projects to improve the water supply infrastructure and eliminate points of hydric stress.
• The AWE faces challenges, including a low water tariff and difficulties in collecting payments from households.