Residents of Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria, are experiencing frequent power outages and voltage drops, particularly during the hot summer months. The issue has led to frustration and protests, with citizens calling on local authorities to address the problem. Despite investing 4.3 billion Algerian dinars in two programs aimed at improving the electricity supply, the issue persists. The programs, which ran from 2010 to 2014 and included connecting 10,042 households to the grid, were only partially successful.
The first program, which allocated 1.68 billion dinars, achieved 70.36% completion and connected 4,742 new households. The second program, worth 2.66 billion dinars, connected 5,300 households but faced delays due to the global decline in oil prices. According to data from 2018, the region's electricity coverage rate was 98.41%. However, the growing demand for electricity has put a strain on the existing infrastructure, highlighting the need for further investment.
To address the issue, a program was initiated to build nine high- and very high-voltage transformer stations across nine communes in Tizi-Ouzou. Additionally, a project was launched to develop high-voltage lines, transformers, and emergency lines. However, despite these efforts, power outages and voltage drops continue to affect residents. Many citizens have expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of service provided by the Société de Distribution du Centre (SDC).
In the commune of Maâtkas, residents are struggling with frequent power outages and voltage drops, which have become a regular occurrence. The local mayor, Lyes Laguel, stated that the commune's infrastructure has not been upgraded since the 1990s, despite significant population growth. The situation is similar in other areas, including Souk El Tenine, where residents and business owners are affected by the power issues.
In Souk El Tenine, a local business owner reported that voltage drops have caused him to lose products and incur additional expenses. He emphasized that the issue has become a significant burden on his business and called on the SDC to take action. Similar concerns were raised in Mechtras, where residents are experiencing frequent power outages and voltage drops.
The mayor of Mechtras, Omar Cheballah, stated that his office receives numerous complaints about power issues daily. He emphasized that the situation has become unsustainable and called on the SDC to install new transformers to address the problem. Residents in other areas, including Aït Bouadou and Tizi N’tléta, are also experiencing similar issues.
The issue has become a pressing concern for residents and local authorities, who are calling for urgent action to address the power outages and voltage drops. The SDC has been urged to take responsibility and implement measures to improve the quality of service. Key points include the need for infrastructure upgrades, increased investment in the electricity sector, and improved communication between authorities and residents.
Key points
- The Algerian government has invested 4.3 billion dinars in infrastructure projects aimed at improving the electricity supply in Tizi-Ouzou.
- Despite these efforts, power outages and voltage drops continue to affect residents, with many calling for urgent action to address the issue.
- Local authorities have urged the SDC to take responsibility and implement measures to improve the quality of service.
