Several development projects in Bouira, Algeria, have been announced but not yet implemented, leaving citizens frustrated. The projects, funded by the Programme de soutien aux collectivités locales (ex-FCCL), aim to improve living conditions in the region. Local authorities had promised significant investments in infrastructure, including electricity and gas supply. However, despite repeated announcements, the projects have yet to start. This has led to growing discontent among citizens, who have taken to the streets to express their frustration.

The wali of Bouira, Mustapha Limani, had announced that 7 billion Algerian dinars would be allocated to finance various projects, including gas and electricity supply. Specifically, 4 billion dinars were reserved for extending gas networks, while 3 billion dinars were allocated for rural electrification projects. These projects were expected to benefit several communes in the region, particularly those in mountainous and remote areas. The projects were supposed to start in early November 2019, but nothing has been done so far.

A total of 108 electricity connection projects and 81 gas connection projects were approved, benefiting 2,500 households and 8,911 households, respectively. These projects were expected to alleviate the suffering of citizens in several communes who have been waiting for them for years. However, the delay has led to renewed protests and demonstrations in various parts of the region. Citizens have blocked roads and occupied municipal buildings to demand action from the authorities.

The situation has become increasingly dire, with citizens facing a severe shortage of gas butane during the cold winter season. In the commune of Ath Rached, a group of citizens recently visited the wilaya headquarters to inquire about the status of the projects. They expressed their frustration and disappointment at the lack of progress, despite repeated promises from the authorities. The citizens are struggling to cope with the harsh winter conditions, with many areas lacking access to basic necessities like gas and electricity.

The citizens of Bouira are growing increasingly restless, with many calling for immediate action from the authorities. The delay in implementing the projects has led to widespread discontent, with many questioning the government's commitment to improving living conditions in the region. The authorities have remained silent on the issue, with no official statements or updates on the status of the projects.

The commune of Ath Rached is one of the areas most affected by the delay in project implementation. Residents of the village of Ighil N'Ath Ameur, located over 1,000 meters above sea level, are struggling to cope with the harsh winter conditions. They have been waiting for the gas network project for over a year, but so far, nothing has been done. The citizens are losing hope and are demanding immediate action from the authorities.

The delay in implementing the development projects has significant implications for the citizens of Bouira. The lack of access to basic necessities like gas and electricity is affecting their daily lives, and the situation is becoming increasingly dire. The authorities must take immediate action to address the concerns of the citizens and ensure that the projects are implemented as soon as possible. The citizens of Bouira are eagerly waiting for the projects to start, and it remains to be seen how the authorities will respond to their demands.

Key points

  • The projects, funded by the ex-FCCL program, aim to improve living conditions in Bouira, Algeria.
  • The delay in implementing the projects has led to growing discontent among citizens, who have taken to the streets to express their frustration.
  • The authorities have allocated significant funds to finance the projects, but so far, nothing has been done.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.