Hydraulic Sector Boosted by Record Investment: Over 900 Billion Dinars Allocated to Infrastructure Development in Five Years

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | December 25th, 2024 — Over the past five years, Algeria has embarked on a transformative journey to enhance its hydraulic infrastructure, allocating an unprecedented budget exceeding 900 billion dinars. This ambitious investment, announced by Minister of Hydraulic Resources Taha Derbal during the Government-Walis meeting held at the International Conference Center (CIC) in Algiers, underscores the nation’s unwavering commitment to addressing water scarcity and improving access to potable water for its citizens.

In his speech, Minister Derbal highlighted the monumental support extended to the sector by Algeria’s highest authorities, led by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. “The substantial allocation of resources to the hydraulic sector reflects the critical importance attributed by the state to the well-being of its citizens. Over the past five years, nearly 906 billion dinars have been invested, resulting in the realization of numerous key projects,” he stated.

Strategic Projects: A Path to Resilience

Among the landmark achievements, the minister emphasized the connection of eight major desalination plants to potable water supply networks, a critical step toward mitigating the effects of reduced rainfall and water stress. This initiative was supported by an allocation of 188 billion dinars. Additionally, a further 70 billion dinars was channeled into the construction of wells, while 34.83 billion dinars was devoted to the rehabilitation and modernization of wastewater treatment plants, which form part of a larger program funded at 155 billion dinars.

Projects also included the completion of eight major water transfer systems, aimed at linking dams across diverse regions, and the pivotal transfer of water from the Guetrani field in Béchar province. This latter project, with a production capacity of 80,000 cubic meters per day, represents a vital lifeline for communities in arid areas.

Innovative Measures to Combat Water Stress

Minister Derbal revealed the construction of over 1,200 wells across provinces heavily reliant on dams with low water levels due to insufficient rainfall. Further bolstering water security, the country saw the installation of 19 new filtration systems and the rehabilitation of 11 operational stations. The expansion and modernization of sanitation networks spanned a total length of 1,103 kilometers. Additionally, plans for post-construction adjustments to six dams, with a combined capacity of 642 million cubic meters, were set in motion.

Diversifying Water Sources

Despite persistent water stress, Algeria maintains an annual water production level exceeding 3 billion cubic meters. The minister disclosed that groundwater contributes to 55% of this output, surface water accounts for 25%, and desalinated water represents 20%. These figures underscore the country’s reliance on innovative solutions such as desalination to secure its water future.

National Efforts Yield Tangible Results

The state’s comprehensive investments in hydraulic infrastructure, predominantly executed by national companies, have significantly mitigated water shortages, particularly in provinces most affected by diminishing dam levels. These efforts have also bolstered public water services, connecting 98% of the population to drinking water supply networks.

“Such achievements are not merely statistics; they are a testament to Algeria’s resolve to overcome natural challenges and ensure equitable access to water resources,” emphasized Minister Derbal.

Vision for the Future

With water scarcity becoming a pressing global challenge, Algeria’s ambitious hydraulic strategy positions the nation as a model for resilience and innovation in managing finite resources. The significant strides achieved in infrastructure development over the past five years pave the way for a sustainable future, ensuring that every citizen has access to this vital resource while fostering economic growth and environmental sustainability.

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