The renovation of the water supply network in Béjaïa's old city has reached a significant milestone, with a 90% completion rate. The project, launched in October 2015, aims to improve the city's water supply system. A spokesperson for the Algerian Water Company (ADE) in Béjaïa confirmed the progress, highlighting that the renovation work has been extensive.

The project involves replacing old grey cast iron pipes, dating back to the colonial era (1890), with new high-density polyethylene (PEHD) pipes. This upgrade will improve the quality of water supplied, enable 24/7 water distribution, and eliminate water leaks. The renovation work has already allowed 62% of subscribers to receive water from the new pipes.

A total of 69 km of water supply network has been renovated in the old city, as well as in the Sidi-Ahmed and Lekhmis neighborhoods. The project is part of a larger initiative to rehabilitate the water supply networks in eleven cities across Algeria. The renovation work is expected to prevent water contamination and waste, which has been a significant issue in Béjaïa due to recurring leaks.

The project also includes the rehabilitation of several pumping stations and water reservoirs across the commune. Ten pumping stations and twenty water reservoirs will be renovated, including the Sidi-Ahmed 1 and Ihaddaden 1 reservoirs, with capacities of 2×1000 m3 and 2×2000 m3, respectively. These upgrades will help improve the overall efficiency of the water supply system.

The Algerian government has allocated 1.4 billion dinars to the hydraulic sector in Béjaïa for this project, which was initially scheduled for completion in 2018. However, the project has faced delays, and the initial 30-month deadline has expired. Despite this, the renovation work is progressing at a steady pace, with work also underway in other neighborhoods, including Ighil Ouazoug, Tizi, Cité douanière, and Imehdhiyen.

Once completed, the project is expected to significantly improve the water supply system in Béjaïa, providing a reliable and efficient service to residents. The renovation work will also help reduce water waste and prevent contamination, ensuring a safer and healthier water supply for the community. The project's progress has been closely monitored, and efforts are being made to complete the work as soon as possible.

The project's completion will mark a significant achievement in Béjaïa's infrastructure development, providing a modern and efficient water supply system for residents. The Algerian government's investment in the project demonstrates its commitment to improving the country's infrastructure and providing essential services to its citizens.

Key points

  • The renovation of Béjaïa's water supply network has reached 90% completion, with 69 km of new pipes laid and 62% of subscribers connected.
  • The project aims to improve the quality of water supplied, enable 24/7 water distribution, and eliminate water leaks.
  • The Algerian government has allocated 1.4 billion dinars to the hydraulic sector in Béjaïa for this project.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.