The local authorities in Annaba have started a wide-scale demolition campaign of unauthorized buildings recently constructed in three municipalities: El Bouni, Sidi Amar, and Oued Enneb. This action aligns with the instructions of the Annaba governor to swiftly and decisively address the widespread construction of unauthorized buildings and illegal expansions by citizens and traders across the province. According to the Annaba governorate's services, demolition operations were carried out in Oued Enneb municipality, with the process ongoing across the entire territory.
The demolition campaign also targeted unauthorized constructions in Sidi Amar. The governorate's services reported that the program to eliminate unauthorized constructions and clean up the residential environment in Sidi Salem, El Bouni, is ongoing. Following the demolition of unauthorized buildings, authorities began eliminating unauthorized expansions of commercial establishments and increments in ground-floor apartments in the 400-housing unit neighborhood. A total of 75 fences and 86 unauthorized expansions and increments were demolished.
In El Bouni, a significant number of demolition operations were conducted, particularly in the Bousaarrura sector, which is one of the largest residential areas with a high incidence of unauthorized constructions due to its proximity to forested and agricultural lands. The demolition operations also targeted unauthorized expansions of commercial establishments along the main street leading to Bousaarrura, with participation from urban police and municipal services.
The demolition campaign in El Bouni will cover all unauthorized neighborhoods, following a previous record of delays in executing demolition decisions, particularly in Ain Jebara, Chabia, and Khraza neighborhoods. This situation led to the suspension and prosecution of the former municipal president. The authorities are working to restore the coastal area's aesthetic appeal by launching development projects.
According to sources, numerous demolition decisions issued by technical services of municipalities have been enforced, targeting buildings constructed without legal documents or permits. The judicial police received reports on organized land grabbing for the construction of housing and warehouses in various areas without obtaining building permits or documentation proving ownership.
The Annaba National Gendarmerie is investigating land encroachment and has launched inquiries into organized land grabbing. Several individuals were summoned for questioning after being caught constructing buildings illegally, with the aim of presenting them to justice for land encroachment and other related charges.
The authorities have recorded most land encroachment cases in the municipalities of Annaba, El Bouni, and Sidi Amar. Some of these cases involve individuals who have accumulated wealth by grabbing state lands, exploiting loopholes and lax enforcement by local authorities.
Key points
- The demolition campaign targets unauthorized constructions in three municipalities of Annaba.
- Authorities have demolished 75 fences and 86 unauthorized expansions and increments.
- Strict penalties have been introduced for those encroaching on state property.
