The province of Béjaïa in Algeria is set to bolster its emergency response capabilities with the establishment of three new civil protection units. These units will be located in Tichy, Chemini, and Ouzellaguen, and are expected to be operational by the end of the year. According to Arbouche Yacine, a responsible official at the Béjaïa civil protection directorate, this development is a significant enhancement to the region's rescue and intervention capacities.
The selection of these locations for the new units is strategic. Ouzellaguen, with its large industrial zone, necessitates the presence of a civil protection unit. Meanwhile, Chemini and Tichy are classified as high-risk areas for forest fires, as per the province's forest sensitivity map. This map categorizes the 52 communes of Béjaïa based on their risk of forest fires, facilitating more effective management of intervention resources.
The forest sensitivity map is a critical tool for the region, classifying communes into four risk categories. Twelve communes are considered high-risk, or "red zone," 15 have a high risk, 15 have a medium risk, and 10 have a low risk. This classification will guide the deployment of resources and infrastructure to mitigate the impact of forest fires.
In addition to the new units in Tichy, Chemini, and Ouzellaguen, further developments are planned. Posts of rescue will be established in Oued Ghir, Il-Mathène, and Béni Maouche, utilizing existing infrastructure. For instance, the former communal guard headquarters in Oued Ghir is being converted into a civil protection unit. This transformation was initiated following the dissolution of the communal guard, with the aim of enhancing emergency response in an area prone to forest fires.
The conversion of the Oued Ghir site has been allocated a budget of one billion centimes for renovation works. This project is part of a broader effort to strengthen civil protection in Béjaïa. The province's authorities are committed to improving emergency response infrastructure, recognizing the region's vulnerability to natural hazards.
The recent celebration of World Civil Protection Day in Béjaïa highlighted the importance of these developments. The event featured a range of activities, including demonstrations of fire extinguishing techniques and rescue simulations. These exercises were conducted by cadets of the Civil Protection, showcasing their skills and readiness to respond to emergencies.
The event also paid tribute to the late Lieutenant Hassani Tarik, a native of Aokas. The ceremony was attended by his family and emphasized the bravery and dedication of civil protection personnel. With the new units and infrastructure, Béjaïa's civil protection services are poised to enhance their emergency response capabilities, better protecting the local population and environment.
Key points
- Three new civil protection units will be established in Béjaïa by year's end.
- The units will be located in Tichy, Chemini, and Ouzellaguen.
- Existing infrastructure will be converted into rescue posts in Oued Ghir, Il-Mathène, and Béni Maouche.
