Algerian Government Allocates Over 14,000 Hectares for Major Housing Programs Across 11 Wilayas: Minister Belaribi Outlines Ambitious 2025-2029 Plan to Build 2 Million Homes, Announces November 1st Housing Distribution to Commemorate Revolution
BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | October 11th, 2024 — The Ministry of Housing, Urban Planning, and the City has announced that more than 14,000 hectares of state-owned land in 11 wilayas have been designated for the implementation of various housing programs. This significant allocation of land reflects the government’s commitment to addressing housing needs and furthering Algeria’s social development objectives.
The 11 wilayas benefiting from this allocation include Algiers, Batna, Tizi Ouzou, Jijel, Bordj Bou Arreridj, Sétif, Blida, Tipaza, Msila, and Ain Defla. According to a statement from the Ministry, these lands will be used for “major housing programs” designed to meet growing demand across the country.
During a technical meeting presided over by Minister Mohamed Tarek Belaribi, held at the headquarters of the National Housing Bank (BNH), a review was conducted on the recent housing distribution operations carried out on July 5th. Additionally, preparations for the next wave of distributions, scheduled for November 1st, were discussed. This upcoming distribution will coincide with the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the November 1st Revolution, which Minister Belaribi emphasized as a symbol of the state’s commitment to preserving the legacy of the martyrs and upholding the “Novembrist principles” that define Algeria’s social policies.
The November 1st distribution will focus heavily on rural housing, with a substantial number of public rental housing units (LPL) to be made available. Minister Belaribi stressed the importance of quality control for these units, with specific allocations set for various wilayas, including 921 LPL units in Tizi Ouzou, 540 units in Batna, and 900 units in Tipaza. Additionally, housing under the AADL 2 rent-to-own program will be distributed in certain wilayas.
Looking ahead, the Ministry is also preparing for the ambitious 2025-2029 housing program, which targets the construction of 2 million new homes in accordance with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s directives. Minister Belaribi has instructed the relevant departments to begin preparations for the program’s initiation, with construction slated to start immediately after the adoption of the 2025 Finance Law.
The General Directorate of Housing, in collaboration with the General Directorate of Urban Planning, Architecture, and Construction, has been tasked with formulating a detailed plan for the 2025 projects. This includes organizing housing distributions around significant historical dates, notably July 5th and November 1st.
To ensure the timely completion of ongoing projects for 2023-2024, the Minister called for reducing construction delays and ensuring that operators are paid promptly. This will help maintain the pace necessary to meet the housing goals outlined for the 2025-2029 five-year plan.
Minister Belaribi also issued directives to the heads of AADL and its subsidiary, “Gest Immo,” to continue rehabilitating AADL housing complexes. He underscored the need for continuous updates to the national housing registry as a key tool to combat fraudulent attempts to secure housing.
The Minister further commended the efforts of sector employees, which resulted in the distribution of 1.7 million homes between 2020 and 2024. The meeting was attended by central and local officials from the Ministry, as well as directors of housing agencies. This meeting underscored the government’s resolute approach to addressing Algeria’s housing challenges, ensuring that citizens receive quality homes in a timely manner, and reaffirming the state’s social commitment to housing for all.
