The AADL2 housing program in Tizi Ouzou, Algeria, which was launched in 2013, has faced significant delays, leaving 12,400 subscribers uncertain about their future. According to Djouaher Saliha, president of the subscribers' association, the program's progress has been slow, with some construction sites stalled or yet to start. The program consists of two quotas: 5,700 and 8,000 housing units. While work has begun on 3,700 units in the first quota, the second quota's progress is uncertain.
The association's president, Djouaher Saliha, expressed concerns about the program's future, citing a lack of will to resolve issues delaying its completion. She highlighted problems with land ownership and opposition from local residents as major obstacles. In some cases, subscribers have paid for sites that do not exist. The association has held over 100 meetings with authorities, but concrete solutions have not been forthcoming.
One of the affected sites is Bouzeguène, where 2,500 housing units were planned but are currently stalled due to local opposition. Other sites, such as Tamda, Draâ El Mizan, and Azazga, have made progress but are now facing new challenges. For example, a dispute between the Chinese construction company and local residents has halted work on some projects.
Djouaher Saliha criticized the authorities for not taking responsibility for resolving the issues. She argued that the Algerian Housing and Urban Planning Agency (AADL) can only address technical problems, while the wilaya (province) is responsible for resolving opposition issues. However, no one seems willing to make decisions, leading to a stalemate.
The association has proposed solutions, including the need for the authorities to assume responsibility for their actions. Djouaher Saliha questioned why some individuals opposing the program are not required to return their land and allow alternative sites to be found. She also noted that only 24 out of 67 communes have been cadastralized, making it difficult to determine the status of some sites.
Recently, 1,000 pre-affectations were made, based on residence and chronological order of inscription. However, Djouaher Saliha emphasized that the association has no authority over site selection or the application of these criteria. She fears that the program may not be completed for at least 10 years, if ever.
The association's president warned that the situation may repeat the scenario of 2001, which saw significant delays and frustration among subscribers. She urged authorities to take concrete actions to resolve the issues and ensure the program's completion.
Key points
- The AADL2 housing program in Tizi Ouzou faces significant delays due to issues with land ownership and local opposition.
- The program's subscribers, numbering 12,400, are uncertain about their future and may not see their housing units for at least 10 years.
- The association representing subscribers is calling for authorities to take responsibility and make decisions to resolve the program's issues.
