In a shocking turn of events, over 4,000 social housing units were squatted in the Algerian province of Tizi-Ouzou within a 48-hour period. The incidents occurred in two phases, with the first wave hitting 1,000 recently completed housing units in Draâ Ben-Khedda and Tizi-Ouzou. These units, built by the Cosider company for the OPGI, had been allocated to beneficiaries earlier in the year.
The squatters targeted 1,000 housing units in the night of Thursday to Friday, sparking concerns about the ease with which they were able to occupy the properties. The rapid and coordinated nature of the occupations has raised suspicions of premeditation. Two other locations, housing hundreds of completed units, were also attacked and squatted. A total of 1,442 social housing units at the Boukhalfa excellence pole in western Tizi-Ouzou and 511 units in the West zone of the city were occupied.
According to Tizi-Ouzou Mayor Ouahab Aït Menguellet, a further 1,768 housing units of various types were squatted at the excellence pole. The total number of units occupied illegally in Tizi-Ouzou commune stands at 3,210, with an additional 1,000 units squatted in Draâ Ben-Khedda. The mayor has denounced the acts as "grave" and vowed to restore the properties to their rightful beneficiaries.
An impressive security deployment was mobilized to intervene in Draâ Ben-Khedda, with police and gendarmerie forces launching an assault to evict the squatters. However, they were blocked by a crowd of squatters just meters from the site. Negotiations are reportedly underway to resolve the situation. Similar operations are expected in Tizi-Ouzou commune.
Mayor Aït Menguellet has expressed his outrage and disappointment at the incidents, promising to apply the law in all its rigor. He has called on the local population to mobilize behind him to evict the squatters, warning that he is prepared to face consequences, including losing his position as mayor. The mayor has questioned the speed and coordination of the squatters, suggesting that the acts were premeditated.
The incidents have sparked widespread concern and condemnation. The local population had been mobilized for the seventh consecutive Friday to protest against the current system. The authorities have been criticized for their handling of the situation, with many calling for greater action to address the issue of housing allocation and squatting.
The situation in Tizi-Ouzou remains tense, with efforts ongoing to resolve the crisis and restore order. The local authorities have reiterated their commitment to upholding the law and protecting the rights of citizens.
Key points
- Over 4,000 social housing units were squatted in Tizi-Ouzou province within 48 hours.
- The incidents have been condemned by local authorities, who have vowed to apply the law and restore the properties to their rightful beneficiaries.
- The situation remains tense, with efforts ongoing to resolve the crisis and restore order in the region.
