BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- The Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, Mr. Lakhdar Rakhroukh, conducted a working visit to the Khenchela province on Thursday, November 23, 2023. This visit was part of the complementary development program allocated by the President of the Republic, covering several projects in the public works and infrastructure sector.
These projects hold significant importance within the development program, considering the public works sector as a key driver of economic development and investment. The program includes 11 operations related to the completion of approximately 100 km of roads and two technical facilities. Additionally, five projects have been completed and delivered, with the remaining ones set to be completed in the first quarter of 2024.
One of the highlighted projects in progress is the doubling of National Road No. 32, connecting the municipalities of El Mahmal and Ouled Rached over a distance of 18 km, reaching an impressive 70% completion rate.
During the inspection of this project, Minister Rakhroukh provided directives to reinforce workforce capacities and implement shift systems to ensure timely project completion. He emphasized the importance of stringent monitoring of work quality and the necessity of training engineers in the field, with a focus on road network maintenance.
Another significant project includes the construction of a new bypass road in the southwest of Khenchela city, covering a distance of 40 km. Minister Rakhroukh inspected the first section of this project, extending 20 km, which has reached a completion rate of 68% due to challenging terrains.
As for the second section of the project, spanning 20 km, the completion rate has reached an impressive 95%.
To strengthen the connectivity between Khenchela and Batna provinces, work is in full swing to complete the National Road No. 88 doubling project, linking Ghariss and the borders of Batna province over a distance of 18 km. The project is nearing completion, and it is expected to be delivered by the end of January 2024.
As part of the complementary program benefiting Khenchela province, Minister Rakhroukh examined the progress of the railway line project connecting Khenchela to Ain El Beida in Oum El Bouaghi province, covering a distance of 51 km.
Minister Rakhroukh provided instructions to expedite the work and ensure daily monitoring of administrative procedures accompanying the project’s completion. He stressed the importance of overcoming obstacles to complete the rail laying process before the end of the current year.
In conclusion, Minister Rakhroukh emphasized the need to bolster workforce capacities and implement shift systems throughout the day, considering the economic and social significance of this railway project for Khenchela residents, providing both employment opportunities and efficient transportation services to other regions in the country.
