BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Algiers, Algeria | December 18th, 2024 — The 8th Arab Housing Congress, held in Algiers under the patronage of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, marked a significant milestone in Algeria’s ambitious housing strategy. This three-day event, themed “Sustainable Urbanism: Challenges and Promising Perspectives,” brought together key stakeholders from the Arab world and beyond to discuss the future of urban development, housing, and environmental sustainability. The congress reflects Algeria’s unwavering commitment to making housing a fundamental right and a cornerstone of national development.
In his opening address, Tarek Belaribi, Minister of Housing, Urban Planning, and the City, reiterated that housing in Algeria is not just about providing shelter; it is a comprehensive national project that integrates social, economic, environmental, cultural, and human dimensions. This vision, guided by President Tebboune’s enlightened leadership, has already led to remarkable achievements, positioning Algeria as a regional leader in housing and urban planning.
A Transformative Vision: Achievements and Progress in Housing
Belaribi lauded the transformative progress in Algeria’s housing sector, which has seen the distribution of 1.7 million housing units between 2020 and 2024. These units, accompanied by the establishment of 1,924 public facilities, were made possible by a massive investment of $35 billion, aimed at urbanizing the country and improving living standards. The country’s housing occupancy rate has dropped from 4.45 in 2019 to 4.18 in 2024, illustrating the tangible results of these efforts.
“The housing sector in Algeria is not simply about providing homes. It is a strategic national project designed to enhance the quality of life of our citizens,” stated Minister Belaribi. The President’s vision has led to Algeria’s self-sufficiency in building materials, with the country now capable of producing 40 million tons of cement annually, 6 million tons of steel for reinforced concrete, and 40 million tons of aggregates and red materials. This robust domestic production capacity has significantly reduced the reliance on imports, boosting the national economy.
International Collaboration and Technological Innovation
The congress also emphasized the importance of regional and international cooperation. A notable development was the signing of a partnership agreement between the National Center for Applied Research in Earthquake Engineering and the Arab Center for Seismic Risk Prevention. This collaboration highlights Algeria’s commitment to addressing the challenges of natural disasters and ensuring the resilience of its housing infrastructure.
Minister Belaribi underscored the strategic role of housing in Algeria’s broader economic context, where the construction, public works, and urban planning sectors now contribute 12.9% to the country’s GDP. This reflects the sector’s pivotal role in driving the economy, while also contributing to the achievement of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 11, which aims for inclusive, safe, and sustainable cities.
Addressing the Demographic Challenge: A Holistic Approach to Urbanization
The congress was held at a critical time, as the Arab world faces a rapidly growing population—currently 468 million, projected to reach 521 million by 2030 and 676 million by 2050. This demographic growth presents significant challenges in terms of infrastructure, services, and sustainable urban development, with 70% of the Arab population living in urban areas.
Belaribi highlighted Algeria’s experience as a model for tackling these challenges, citing the country’s comprehensive, holistic approach to housing that goes beyond merely providing shelter. This strategy, driven by President Tebboune’s leadership, incorporates economic, social, and environmental considerations, ensuring that housing development aligns with Algeria’s broader vision for sustainable, inclusive growth.
A Bright Future for Sustainable Housing
The congress also focused on the theme of sustainable construction and energy efficiency. Discussions centered on the latest technological innovations in eco-friendly buildings, energy optimization in smart buildings, and the integration of sustainable systems into modern construction practices. The event underscored the importance of sustainability in housing development, ensuring that future urban growth does not come at the expense of the environment.
The presence of Ni Hong, China’s Minister of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, further highlighted the global dimension of the congress, as China’s extensive experience in urbanization and sustainable development offers valuable insights for Algeria and its Arab neighbors. The collaboration between Arab nations and international partners will be key to navigating the future challenges of housing, urban planning, and sustainability.
As Algeria continues to make significant strides in the housing sector, the 8th Arab Housing Congress has reinforced the country’s commitment to sustainable urbanism and regional cooperation. Under the visionary leadership of President Tebboune, Algeria is not only addressing its own housing challenges but also positioning itself as a leader in the Arab world in terms of urban development and sustainability.
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