un plan pour le renforcement des capacités nationales pour la mobilisation des ressources hydriques superficielles
Summary of the Hydraulics Minister’s Address on Water Resource Management
During a recent session at the Algerian National People’s Assembly (APN), Minister of Hydraulics Taha Derbal outlined a strategic plan aimed at enhancing the national capacity to mobilize surface water resources. This initiative includes the exploration of new sites for the construction of dams and water retention facilities.
Accompanied by the Minister of Parliamentary Relations, Kaouter Krikou, and various government members, Derbal addressed the assembly amidst inquiries regarding local water supply issues. He emphasized the efforts of the National Agency for Dams and Transfers (ANBT), which has commenced field surveys to identify potential dam sites across the nation’s provinces. Should the feasibility studies yield positive technical results, the Hydraulics sector will seek budget allotments for the proposed projects.
Derbal’s responses addressed specific regional water supply challenges. For instance, in Bordj Bou Arreridj, he highlighted the significant attention the region has received, with projects initiated to improve drinkable water supply. A key development involves connecting several municipalities to a seawater desalination system from Béjaia, with an initial focus on providing potable desalinated water to 14 municipalities while plans to connect them to the Ain Zada reservoir are underway.
In Tébessa, the minister disclosed plans for water transfer projects from surrounding provinces to address regional water shortages. Regarding Annaba, Derbal announced ongoing efforts to update the master plan for potable water and underscored the importance of the Draa Errich wastewater treatment station, which will receive financial reevaluation for its completion.
Overall, these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to addressing water supply disruptions and enhancing Algeria’s long-term water resource management.
Detailed Rewrite
On Thursday, Taha Derbal, Algeria’s Minister of Hydraulics, provided critical insights during a session of the Assembly Populaire Nationale (APN), focusing on the country’s strategic approach to improving water resource management. This improvement plan includes mobilizing surface water resources and identifying new sites for dam construction and water retention.
Derbal presented this information during a plenary session led by Vice President Adel Meitah, which was attended by various government officials, including the Minister of Relations with the Parliament, Kaouter Krikou. He explained that the National Agency for Dams and Transfers (ANBT) has begun field activities aimed at locating viable sites for the development of dams and water retention facilities across Algeria’s différentes wilayas. He stated, "If the feasibility studies indicate that the technical criteria are met, the Hydraulics sector will propose the necessary budget allocations for these projects."
Among the specific concerns addressed by Derbal were local water supply disruptions, particularly in Bordj Bou Arreridj. He noted that this region has been the focus of significant initiatives, with projects slated to launch in 2024 alongside ongoing efforts. Derbal reported that his services are currently working to connect several municipalities in Bordj Bou Arreridj to a seawater desalination facility located in Béjaia. In the initial phase, 14 municipalities will gain access to desalinated drinking water while awaiting integration into the water pumping system from the Ain Zada dam.
In addition to Bordj Bou Arreridj, the minister touched on the situation in Tébessa, where a plan is being implemented to transfer water from neighboring wilayas to alleviate water shortages. He also discussed developments in Annaba, where efforts are focused on revising the master plan for potable water. A critical element in this plan is the Draa Errich wastewater treatment station, which is undergoing financial reevaluation to ensure its progression.
Derbal’s statements underline a robust government commitment to addressing the pressing challenges of water supply and sustainable resource management in Algeria. The partnerships across various governmental agencies and ongoing feasibility studies signify a proactive approach to enhancing the country’s water infrastructure capabilities. Through these initiatives, the Algerian government aims to secure sufficient water supplies for its populations while ensuring that the needs of different regions are met effectively.
