The wilaya of Tizi-Ouzou in Algeria is grappling with a significant waste management crisis. Despite efforts to address the issue, 460 unauthorized dumps have been identified, posing a substantial threat to public health and ecological balance. As temperatures rise with the approaching summer, concerns about the situation are mounting. The lack of effective waste management policies and infrastructure is exacerbating the problem.
According to Mebarek Aït Aoudia, Director of the local environment department, the primary cause of the issue is a lack of civic responsibility among residents. He emphasizes that citizens are the first line of responsibility in maintaining cleanliness and proper waste disposal. However, Aït Aoudia also acknowledges that the absence of adequate waste treatment facilities is a significant contributing factor. Currently, there is a shortage of facilities to receive and process waste, leading to the proliferation of wild dumps.
Aït Aoudia notes that six projects for waste treatment centers (CET) are stalled in various regions, including Souamaa, Illoula Oumalou, and Fréha. He stresses that the delay in implementing these projects is not due to a lack of funding or initiative but rather resistance from local communities. Residents often refuse to have CETs located in their areas while utilizing those in other regions. This resistance hinders the development of effective waste management solutions.
The existing CETs in the wilaya, such as those in Oued Falli, Béni Douala, Béni Zmenzer, and Draâ El-Mizan, are operating at maximum capacity. To alleviate the situation, the CET in Tadmaït is set to begin operations soon, and another in Iferhounène is expected to be functional by the end of the year. However, these additions will only partially address the scale of the problem.
Selective sorting of waste, a simple yet effective technique, has been adopted in Tizi-Ouzou for the past decade. Despite this, the concept remains largely experimental, with only 150 selective sorting areas established across the wilaya. Efforts to collaborate with the University of Mila (UMMTO) and the Provincial Assembly (APW) are underway, but more needs to be done to tackle the issue effectively.
The impact of the waste crisis is felt daily by residents, who frequently complain about the unauthorized dumps. The Environment Department receives at least four requests per week related to this issue, often playing a firefighting role to address community concerns. The lack of adherence to waste collection schedules and the absence of a coordinated approach exacerbate the problem, turning Tizi-Ouzou into a receptacle for waste.
Currently, only 8% of waste is recovered in the wilaya, a figure that, although low, represents an improvement from 2% in previous years. This progress is largely attributed to the Oued Falli sorting center. Aït Aoudia advocates for the establishment of intercommunal public companies, similar to the one in Tizi Rached, to enhance waste management and improve living conditions. He also suggests increased involvement from environmental police and law enforcement to monitor and enforce regulations.
Key points
- The wilaya of Tizi-Ouzou has 460 unauthorized waste dumps.
- Only 8% of waste is currently recovered in the region.
- New waste treatment centers are planned to help alleviate the crisis.
