A session of the Bouira Provincial Assembly (APW) was held recently, attracting a large crowd of citizens, transporters, and residents from various areas, including Bechloul, El-Adjiba, and El Esnam. They came to express their grievances, particularly regarding a tax imposed on transporters and the lack of access to clean water. However, they were largely unable to voice their concerns, as the session was dominated by officials and assembly members.
The session began with a moment of silence in memory of Ouarab Ahcène, a deceased RND member, and Dr. Kamel Eddine Fekhar, as well as all martyrs. However, this move was met with disagreement from an RND member, who argued that it was the RND's prerogative to make such requests. This led to a heated exchange, making it difficult for the assembly to proceed. The president of the APW, M. Boutata, eventually took the stage to deliver a speech highlighting the province's achievements, including its progress in connecting to the natural gas network.
M. Boutata boasted that Bouira would soon achieve a 100% connection rate to the natural gas network, a feat he claimed no other province could match. He also cited various projects undertaken by the province, such as improvements to the road network and water supply. However, some assembly members, particularly those from the RCD, were visibly uncomfortable with the speech and chose to leave the session. Two FFS members also walked out in solidarity.
The walkouts were in response to the RCD and FFS members' desire to show support for young people from Haïzer who were protesting outside the province's headquarters. The protesters were demanding the release of detainees who had been arrested for carrying a flag other than the national emblem. M. Boutata's comments on the issue only added to the controversy, as he stated that there was only one flag, although he acknowledged that the blue, green, and yellow flag was deeply ingrained in the society.
Wali of Bouira, M. Limani Mustapha, also addressed the assembly, calling for unity and fraternity during these challenging times for the country. He outlined various development projects, including improvements to the water supply network, housing, and road infrastructure. The president of the APW urged assembly members to make greater efforts to implement public utility projects, particularly in areas lacking land.
One of the key issues discussed during the session was the adoption of the province's administrative account for 2019 and the supplementary budget. However, RCD members, including M. Chaâbane Meziane, refused to approve these items, citing concerns that the Code de wilaya was not being respected. Meziane argued that the president of the APW had been working in isolation and marginalizing members of his party.
The session highlighted ongoing tensions and divisions within the Bouira Provincial Assembly. The lack of access to documentation and the program for the session was also criticized by the press. The issues raised during the session reflect the ongoing challenges facing the province, including the need for improved infrastructure, services, and representation.
Key points
- - Tensions ran high at a recent session of the Bouira Provincial Assembly. - Some assembly members walked out in protest over the handling of certain issues. - The session highlighted ongoing challenges facing the province, including the need for improved infrastructure and services.
