BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The Minister of Hydraulics, Taha Derbal, announced on Thursday in Algiers the upcoming launch of the strategic project “Guetrani1” for the transfer of water from the Albienne aquifer in the Guetrani catchment area to the province of Bechar, with the aim of securing the region’s drinking water supply.
In response to a question from a member of parliament regarding the security of the population’s drinking water supply in the province of Bechar, particularly during the summer, during a plenary session at the People’s National Assembly (APN), the minister stated, “We have the principle approval of the country’s highest authorities, and we are awaiting the green light to launch the Guetrani1 project.”
He further explained that an additional study had been commissioned to verify the water reserve of this “strategic” project, confirming that the conducted studies were “positive” and had shown that Guetrani1 would provide 80,000 m3/day in the future through 26 wells with a flow rate of up to 35 liters per second for each well.
A study to “verify the extent of the aquifer layer” has also been carried out, emphasized Mr. Derbal, who cited the report of the National Agency for Hydraulic Resources (ANRH), stating that “the aquifer layers of Guetrani1 are located solely in Algeria.”
The minister indicated that “considerable funds” would be allocated for the implementation of this mega project, where all aspects need to be taken into account and all necessary studies carried out. The project’s completion duration was set at 12 months, and he assured that his ministry would ensure compliance with these deadlines.
The minister urged the inhabitants of the province of Bechar to “exercise patience,” affirming that significant efforts had been made by the provincial authorities to ensure drinking water supply. He recalled that the region had been previously supplied from the Djorf Ettorba dam, whose water levels have significantly decreased due to the drought prevailing in the area.
The upcoming launch of the Guetrani1 project represents a significant step towards securing the drinking water supply in the province of Bechar. By transferring water from the Albienne aquifer, the region will have access to a sustainable and reliable source of water. The studies conducted have confirmed the feasibility and positive outcomes of the project, providing reassurance to both the government and the population.
With the allocation of substantial funds and a dedicated timeline for completion, the authorities are demonstrating their commitment to addressing the water supply challenges faced by the region. However, patience will be necessary as the project progresses, considering the complexities involved in implementing such a large-scale endeavor.
The realization of the Guetrani1 project signifies a proactive approach to ensure water security and underscores the importance of long-term planning and investment in water infrastructure. As climate change continues to pose challenges, such initiatives become crucial for providing sustainable access to clean water, especially in arid regions like Bechar.
