Employees of the Land Agency in Bouira, Algeria, began an indefinite strike on Monday, protesting what they describe as "failed management" and calling for the resignation of the current director. The director was appointed by the wilaya after the previous director was dismissed. The employees claim that the agency is facing financial difficulties and is unable to pay its debts to various companies.
According to the striking employees, the agency's financial struggles have resulted in several projects being delayed or stalled. A total of 7 projects, including 638 LPA-type housing units, have come to a halt in the city of Bouira alone, not to mention other daïras in the wilaya where the agency's projects are suffering. The employees blame the current director for the agency's poor state.
The striking employees expressed concerns about their job security, stating that the agency risks declaring bankruptcy, which would put their employment at risk. They claim that under the previous director, they received performance bonuses and did not experience any financial problems. The employees have repeatedly raised the alarm about the agency's situation, but their reports have been ignored by management.
A striking employee highlighted the plight of around 1,000 people who have applied for housing through the agency. These individuals have taken on debt to secure a home and continue to pay high rents for apartments. The employee emphasized the need for urgent intervention from the administration to protect their jobs and the interests of the housing applicants.
The employee also noted that the agency's problems have affected its relationships with other organizations, including study bureaus that have refused to work with the current director. This has further exacerbated the agency's financial difficulties and hindered its ability to complete projects.
The strike by the Land Agency employees in Bouira highlights the challenges facing the Algerian housing sector. The employees' demands for better management and the departure of the current director reflect broader concerns about governance and accountability in the country's public institutions.
As the strike continues, the fate of the agency's projects and the jobs of its employees remain uncertain. The administration's response to the situation will be crucial in determining the outcome.
Key points
- The employees of Bouira's Land Agency have gone on an indefinite strike to protest poor management and demand the departure of the current director.
- The agency's financial struggles have resulted in several projects being delayed or stalled, including 7 projects with 638 housing units.
- The strike has raised concerns about the job security of the agency's employees and the interests of around 1,000 housing applicants.
