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BY: Hana Saada
Algiers- In a remarkable turnaround, the Hocine-Aït Ahmed Sports Complex in Tizi Ouzou, Algeria, has finally reached 100% completion, marking the end of a 13-year journey filled with obstacles and delays. This ambitious project, which bears the name of the revered freedom fighter Hocine Aït Ahmed, is now poised to host various sporting events. Tarek Belaribi, Algeria’s Minister of Housing and Urbanism, personally confirmed this achievement during an inspection visit to the complex.
Minister Belaribi stated that rigorous tests and assessments have been conducted on all the complex’s facilities, including electrical systems, climate control, and sound equipment, with all results proving successful. However, a slight delay was encountered in preparing the playing field due to the acquisition of essential equipment for optimal grass growth, such as lighting and ventilation. Minister Belaribi revealed that this process is currently in an advanced stage and will be completed within the next 30 to 45 days. Moreover, maintenance contracts spanning at least two years will be established with specialists in turf care and landscaping, alongside training sessions for staff, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
This magnificent sporting jewel will soon be handed over to the region’s club, the Jeunesse Sportive de Kabylie (JSK), which has consistently honored Algeria with its outstanding achievements on the international stage.
Looking back, Minister Belaribi acknowledged the initial challenges that beset the project, as the “Al Issaba” group delayed progress, resulting in numerous amendments to the contract and substantial financial burdens. This unfortunate situation turned the project into a symbol of mediocrity. Despite these setbacks, Belaribi expressed his pride in the local talents, including engineers, consultants, and the workforce, who successfully tackled these difficulties and completed the 50,000-seat complex with international standards well ahead of schedule.
The valuable experience gained from this achievement will be harnessed in the construction of two other stadiums in Béchar and Ouargla, with contract specifications and agreements anticipated to be finalized before the end of the current year.
While the official inauguration date of the stadium is yet to be determined, Minister Belaribi hinted that it will coincide with a significant historical event in Algeria. The transfer of the stadium’s ownership to the Ministry of Youth and Sports is also imminent.
The new sports complex in Tizi Ouzou comprises not only the stadium but also 12 other buildings and facilities, including an indoor athletics stadium with a seating capacity of 6,500 and a natural grass replica field.
The construction of the stadium initially involved a joint venture between the Spanish company Fomento de Construcciones y Contratas and the Algerian group ETRHB Haddad. However, in October 2014, the Turkish company MAPA Insaat replaced the Spanish group, and in October 2021, Cosider took over the construction. The project officially commenced on May 15, 2010, but numerous delays, due to various challenges, pushed the completion date to 2023.
In May 2019, when the contract with ETRHB Haddad expired, the project faced another setback. The former Minister of Youth and Sports, Sid-Ali Khaldi, announced the termination of ETRHB Haddad’s contract and the creation of new contract terms to continue the project. In May 2020, the construction was entrusted to the public enterprise Cosider to complete the remaining 15% to 20% of the work.
Practical work, however, only resumed in April 2022. Minister Belaribi, during his second visit to the site in a few weeks, urged the company to accelerate the pace to meet the project’s 12-month deadline, ensuring the complex’s long-awaited completion.
The Hocine-Aït Ahmed Sports Complex’s journey has been one of determination, local expertise, and the unwavering commitment of the Algerian people. It stands as a testament to the nation’s resilience in the face of adversity, and its completion marks a significant milestone for sports enthusiasts in Tizi Ouzou and beyond.
