The Algerian region of Tizi-Ouzou is addressing its pressing water scarcity issue with four hydraulic dam projects. The dams, located in various areas of the wilaya, aim to significantly enhance the region's water mobilization and storage capacity. The projects include the Souk N'Tléta dam on the Bougdoura river, the Sidi Khalifa dam in Azeffoun, the Zaouïa dam on the Stita river, and the Bounachi dam on the Rabta river. These initiatives are crucial in alleviating the region's water shortages.
Despite the importance of these projects, their progress is varied. The Souk N'Tléta dam is currently under construction, having begun in 2012 with an initial completion deadline of 24 months. However, the project has faced multiple delays due to opposition from local residents, who have demanded compensation and relocation. The project is now making progress, with a 63% completion rate and an expected completion date in early 2020. The Director of Hydraulics, Mokrane Djouder, has confirmed that all constraints have been lifted, and the project is moving forward.
The other three dam projects are at different stages of development. The Sidi Khalifa dam, with a capacity of 37 million cubic meters, is in the installation phase. In contrast, the Zaouïa dam is stalled due to opposition, while the Bounachi dam, with a capacity of 19 million cubic meters, is awaiting inscription after completing its study. The delays are attributed to both economic constraints and local opposition. The region's water scarcity issue remains a significant challenge.
To address the immediate needs of the region, an emergency plan was implemented in 2018, allocating 2 billion dinars for 59 operations. The plan is 70% complete, with the remaining work expected to be finished soon. Additionally, a project to transfer water from the Tichihaf dam and repair the Tigzirt seawater desalination station is underway. However, the project faces potential delays due to opposition from local residents.
The Tigzirt seawater desalination station, with a production capacity of 1,500 cubic meters per day, has been repaired and is now operational. The station will supply water to the coastal town of Tigzirt, alleviating water shortages in the area. The region's residents will benefit from a stable water supply, particularly during the summer months.
To mitigate the effects of water scarcity during the summer, the authorities have undertaken several measures to improve the water supply network. New wells have been drilled in areas such as Aït Mahmoud, Tadmaït, and Azeffoun. The Director of Hydraulics has assured that efforts are ongoing to address water shortages and ensure a reliable water supply to the population.
The Taksebt dam, which supplies water to the region, has a current filling rate of 97%, with 176 million cubic meters of water stored. A significant amount of water, 340,000 cubic meters, is pumped daily to meet the needs of the region, including the wilayas of Algiers and Boumerdès. The authorities continue to work to address the region's water scarcity challenges.
Key points
- The Souk N'Tléta dam project is 63% complete and expected to be finished in early 2020.
- The region's water scarcity issue is being addressed through four hydraulic dam projects and emergency measures.
- The Tigzirt seawater desalination station has been repaired and is now operational, supplying 1,500 cubic meters of water per day.
