M. Boussoufa Zoubir has been appointed as the new director of the Algérienne des eaux (ADE) in Béjaïa, Algeria. He was installed in his new role by the central director of human resources of ADE, in the presence of officials from the Sétif zone, to which the Béjaïa ADE reports. This appointment comes as the utility faces several significant challenges, including the ongoing transfer of water management responsibilities from local authorities to ADE.
Currently, only around 30 of the 52 communes in Béjaïa have their water management handled by ADE. The new director has set a goal to complete the transfer of water management for all communes to ADE within the next three months. This process aims to professionalize the public service related to water resource management. Successful completion is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of water services across the region.
One of the major projects on the agenda is the ongoing rehabilitation of the water supply system in Béjaïa. Work on this project began in 2015 and involves replacing aging water pipes with new ones. The project includes the replacement of existing conduits, which date back to the colonial era, with modern PHD piping over a distance of 45 kilometers. Additionally, around 20 water reservoirs and 10 pumping stations are slated for rehabilitation.
The rehabilitation project has faced delays, with its initial 30-month deadline having expired. The Algerian government has allocated approximately 140 billion centimes to this project. Once completed, it is expected to significantly improve the quality of water supplied to households, eliminate leaks to prevent water contamination, and ensure a consistent 24-hour water supply.
Another significant project underway in Béjaïa is the modernization of a main water pipeline that supplies several eastern communes and parts of Béjaïa city. The government has allocated 5 billion dinars for the renovation and protection of this 700-millimeter diameter pipeline, which spans 22 kilometers. This pipeline has been prone to breaks, particularly during floods, at a point near Oued Agrioun.
The successful completion of these projects is eagerly anticipated by the residents of Béjaïa and its suburbs. The improvements are expected to enhance the overall quality of life by providing reliable access to clean water. The local community has been affected by the ongoing issues with water supply and infrastructure, and there is hope that these projects will address these challenges effectively.
As M. Boussoufa Zoubir begins his tenure, he faces the task of overseeing these critical projects and ensuring their timely completion. His experience and leadership will be crucial in navigating the complexities of these initiatives and achieving the goals set for the ADE in Béjaïa. The progress of these projects will be closely watched by local residents and authorities alike.
Key points
- The new director of ADE Béjaïa aims to complete the transfer of water management from local authorities to ADE within three months.
- A major rehabilitation project of the water supply system in Béjaïa, started in 2015, involves 45 km of new piping and the refurbishment of reservoirs and pumping stations.
- The Algerian government has allocated significant funds to these projects, including 140 billion centimes for the rehabilitation project and 5 billion dinars for pipeline modernization.
