Residents of L'abreuvoir, a locality in Oued Ghir, Algeria, blocked the RN12 national road on Wednesday morning to demand the construction of flood protection measures. The protesters, who live on the banks of the Oued Soummam river, are calling for the installation of gabion walls and dikes to protect their homes from frequent flooding. The locality has been affected by repeated floods, with residents' homes being inundated with water and mud.
The flooding has not only affected residents but also local farmers who have seen their vergers and plantations damaged by the frequent floods. The protesters claim that the construction of gabion walls and installation of dikes would cost 800 million centimes. The mayor of Oued Ghir, Yacine Ramdani, has stated that the communal budget cannot finance such a project and has called on the wilaya authorities to provide the necessary funding.
According to Mayor Ramdani, the locality is home to several dozen families who are at risk of flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. The proposed flood protection measures aim to safeguard the homes of these families. Ramdani emphasized that the project is essential to prevent the repeated flooding that has been affecting the locality.
The issue of flooding is not unique to L'abreuvoir, as sixteen families living in precarious housing on the banks of the Oued Soummam river in the village of Tamda are also facing similar challenges. The Oued Ghir APC had previously promised to relocate these families as part of a future housing distribution. However, the relocation is contingent upon the demolition of their current homes.
Last year, during severe weather conditions, the sixteen families were evacuated by the APC to the Oued Ghir primary school. Mayor Ramdani has stated that he is willing to provide new housing to these families on the condition that their current homes are demolished. The relocation of these families remains a pressing concern for the local authorities.
The blockade of the RN12 road is a manifestation of the residents' frustration with the lack of flood protection measures in the area. The protesters are demanding immediate action from the authorities to address their concerns. The situation highlights the need for urgent investment in flood mitigation infrastructure to protect the lives and livelihoods of residents in Oued Ghir.
The mayor's appeal to the wilaya authorities to provide funding for the flood protection project underscores the need for collaborative efforts to address the issue. The outcome of the blockade and the fate of the proposed flood protection measures remain uncertain. Residents are hopeful that their demands will be heard, and necessary actions will be taken to prevent future flooding.
Key points
- Residents of L'abreuvoir blocked the RN12 road to demand flood protection measures.
- The proposed flood protection project would cost 800 million centimes.
- Sixteen families in the village of Tamda are also facing similar flooding challenges.
