A sit-in protest took place in front of the daïra office in Sour El-Ghozlane, Algeria, following a call to action from the local Citizens' Committee. The protest, which drew dozens of participants, featured chants criticizing local authorities. The committee had previously presented a platform of 18 demands aimed at improving living conditions for residents. These demands address various aspects of life in the town, including healthcare, infrastructure, and employment.
One of the key demands is the construction of a new hospital, as the current facility is overwhelmed. Protesters also argue that a completed emergency block, finished nearly seven years ago, should be opened to alleviate the need for evacuations to the Bouira hospital. Additionally, they are calling for the opening of a Pasteur Institute annex that has been completed but remains closed since 2007. The increased capacity of the paramedical training institute is also a priority for the protesters.
The protesters' demands extend beyond healthcare to include improvements in infrastructure and public services. They are calling for the rehabilitation of water supply and sanitation networks, which frequently experience disruptions. The new highway connecting Sour El-Ghozlane to Bouira, a project that has been delayed, was also a topic of discussion. Residents are frustrated with the slow pace of development and the lack of progress on various projects.
Young residents highlighted their struggles with housing, a pressing issue in the area. Other concerns include urban planning, road maintenance, public lighting, and the renovation of the public garden, which is currently stalled. The absence of a swimming pool and the need for natural gas connections in certain hamlets are also pressing issues for the community.
Unemployment is another critical issue for the residents of Sour El-Ghozlane. They are demanding an investigation into projects allocated under the Highlands program. Allegedly, about 50 lots were assigned to investors, but only one enterprise is currently operational in the communal activity zone. This has led to concerns about the whereabouts of other industrialists and the jobs that were supposed to accompany their investments.
In an attempt to address the situation, the mayor and the head of the daïra sent representatives to meet with the protesters. However, the protesters refused to engage with them, insisting that they would only meet with the wali (governor) in person. They described the management of the daïra as "more than catastrophic" and sought a firsthand assessment of the situation from the governor.
The protest reflects deep-seated frustrations among the residents of Sour El-Ghozlane regarding the management and development of their town. With a clear list of demands, the community is pushing for tangible improvements in infrastructure, services, and economic opportunities. The outcome of the protest and the response from the authorities remain to be seen.
Key points
- Residents of Sour El-Ghozlane are demanding improvements in healthcare infrastructure, including a new hospital and the opening of a long-closed Pasteur Institute annex.
