mise en service de la 2ème phase du périmètre irrigué de « Tafna Isser »
TLEMCEN – On Monday, Taha Derbal, the Minister of Water Resources, oversaw the inauguration of the second phase of the "Tafna Isser" irrigation perimeter located in the Fehoul municipality of Tlemcen. This initiative is part of a broader effort aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and expanding cultivable land in the region.
During his visit for work and inspection, Minister Derbal highlighted that the irrigation project, managed by the National Office for Irrigation and Drainage, covers an extensive area of 6,490 hectares. This includes 1,714 hectares in the Aïn Témouchent district and 4,776 hectares in Tlemcen. The minister emphasized the project’s significance as a strategic investment that creates wealth and jobs, further supporting the agricultural sector and contributing to the economic dynamics of the Tlemcen region.
Derbal urged water resource authorities to collaborate closely with agricultural representatives and ensure that farmers’ concerns are addressed. As part of this initiative, he announced plans to establish an operational unit of the National Office for Irrigation and Drainage in the irrigation perimeter by July, with a budget allocation of 60 million Algerian Dinar (DA). This unit aims to manage the large agricultural zones efficiently under the supervision of the Ministry of Water Resources.
In addition to the irrigation perimeter, the minister also inaugurated a wastewater treatment plant in the Sebdou municipality, covering four hectares and capable of producing 60,000 cubic meters of treated water daily. This facility is set to irrigate over 500 hectares of nearby agricultural lands. Derbal regarded this project as both "strategic and structural" and announced plans for a 60 million DA study to explore the reuse of treated wastewater from the plant.
Furthermore, the minister opened a pumping station and accompanying pipelines in the Sidi Medjahed municipality. He noted that Tlemcen benefited last summer from an emergency program with a budget of 1.7 billion DA, most of which has been successfully implemented to enhance potable water supply in the area. Derbal also inspected a drinking water treatment facility in Bouhlou, reaffirming the government’s commitment to improving water management and agricultural infrastructure.
This series of projects and initiatives reflects the Algerian government’s intent to boost agricultural productivity, ensure effective water resource management, and meet the growing demands for agricultural expansion in Tlemcen and its surrounding regions. The collaboration between different governmental sectors highlights a holistic approach to tackling water and agricultural challenges, positioning Tlemcen as a pivotal area for agricultural development.
In summary, Minister Taha Derbal’s actions and announcements during his visit illustrate a clear strategy aimed at enhancing the agricultural sector in Tlemcen. Through the activation of irrigation projects, establishment of operational units, and investment in water treatment facilities, the government is working to create sustainable agricultural practices while addressing the needs of local farmers and the broader community.
