✏️ BY: Dr. Hana Saada
ALGIERS, ALGERIA | May 27, 2024 — In May 2024, the filling rate of Algeria’s dams has reached 39.5%, the highest in the past five years, according to Messaoud Maâtar, the Director General of the National Agency for Dams and Transfers (ANBT). This improvement is noteworthy compared to the previous year’s rate of 38%, which was buoyed by significant rainfall in May 2023.
Regional Variations in Filling Rates
The distribution of filling rates varies across different regions of the country:
– East: 65%
– Center: 27%
– West: 17%
While the east has benefited from substantial rainfall, achieving a commendable 65% filling rate, the center and west have seen less improvement. The west, in particular, continues to face challenges, with regions like Tiaret, Tissemsilt, and Chélif remaining critically low.
Historical Context and Climate Impact
Reflecting on historical data, Maâtar highlighted that the current rate, although improved, falls short of the 70% recorded in April 2019. However, it is significantly better than the dire situation in 2002, when extreme drought left dams nearly empty, and the country was on the brink of importing water. The interconnection of dams in Boukourdane (Tipaza), Ghrib (Aïn Defla), and Bouroumi (Médéa) was crucial in averting a water supply disaster in the central wilayas at that time.
Maximizing Water Resources for Summer
With meteorological forecasts not predicting any substantial rainfall soon, Maâtar believes that the current dam levels are sufficient to ensure a stable water supply through the summer. The desalination of seawater has also been instrumental in supplementing the water supply, easing the pressure on dam resources.
Expansion and Future Outlook
The capacity of Algeria’s 80 dams has increased from 8.3 billion cubic meters to nearly 9 billion cubic meters with the commissioning of five new dams, according to Mehdi Akkad, the Director General of the National Agency for Water Resources. National water needs for potable use are about 3.5 billion cubic meters, with over 70% of the water being used for irrigation and less than 25% for industrial purposes.
Strategic Focus on Agricultural Irrigation
Maâtar emphasized that with the ambitious seawater desalination program, 90% of dam water is expected to be redirected towards agricultural irrigation. This strategic shift aims to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability in response to ongoing climate challenges.
The improved filling rate of Algeria’s dams marks a significant milestone in managing the country’s water resources amidst fluctuating climatic conditions. While regional disparities remain, the concerted efforts in desalination and strategic water management offer a promising outlook for Algeria’s water security and agricultural development.
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