lancement des travaux de réalisation de 196 structures publiques en mai prochain
Summary of Developments in Algeria’s Urban and Housing Sector
On Thursday, Mohamed Tarek Belaribi, Algeria’s Minister of Habitat, Urbanism, and the City, announced the upcoming launch of construction on 196 public facilities, as part of initiatives outlined in the Finance Bill for 2025. This announcement was made during a plenary session at the National People’s Assembly (APN), presided over by Vice President Hani Ahcene. The minister clarified that the designated study offices have been assigned to supervise these projects, with official construction expected to begin in May.
Minister Belaribi provided an overview of various housing and educational developments in Algeria. In 2024, 199 schools and approximately 449,000 housing units were distributed, while from 2020 to 2024, 678 public structures were delivered in integrated residential neighborhoods, contributing to a total of 1.7 million housing units.
Belaribi emphasized the importance of a rational distribution of public facilities across Algeria’s wilayas (administrative divisions). When addressing the establishment of educational facilities in new urban areas, he stated that the planning process is guided by specific criteria. These include the needs highlighted in the national educational map approved by the Ministry of Education, the number of students residing in these areas, and the funding allocated through the finance laws.
To counter claims of a shortage of public facilities—particularly educational ones—in new residential neighborhoods, the minister cited examples such as the Bouinane new town, where 15 public structures remain closed due to low student enrollment, and the Sidi Abdellah new town, which has completed 23 public structures, including a commercial center linked to residential units.
On the topic of delays in delivering assisted (LPA) and participatory promotion housing (LSP), Belaribi assured that his ministry would implement dissuasive measures against negligent developers and pledged to provide solutions for these delays by 2025. He also touched on the “AADL” housing program, stating that the sector is working to meet the expectations of applicants, but acknowledged challenges in northern wilayas due to a lack of available land amid high population density. He expressed a commitment to mitigating these issues in the forthcoming "AADL 3" program.
In terms of rural housing, Belaribi reported over 500,000 unused financial aids available nationally until March 2025. He attributed this situation to delays by certain communal assembly presidents in submitting beneficiary lists. The minister reiterated the ministry’s readiness to allocate additional support to wilayas that successfully complete their targeted programs.
Additionally, Belaribi provided an update on the new city of Hassi Messaoud, indicating that the development of 13 networks in the first neighborhood and the logistics activity zone has been completed. The city has also been connected to the national electricity grid along with gas and fiber optic networks. Currently, 12 public structures have either been completed or are in progress within this new urban development.
Overall, these announcements manifest the government’s commitment to enhancing Algeria’s urban infrastructure, focusing on equitable distribution and addressing the challenges associated with housing and educational accessibility in both urban and rural areas. The government’s strategic planning is aimed at effectively responding to population needs while overcoming existing hurdles.
