BY: Dr. Hana Saada
From Railway Connectivity to Water Security and Industrial Ambitions, the President’s Southern Tour Highlights Algeria’s Path to Emergence and Reaffirms National Cohesion
Algiers, Algeria | April 24th, 2025 — In a landmark visit to Algeria’s southwest, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune inaugurated on Thursday a series of ambitious and highly strategic development projects in the wilaya of Béchar, reflecting the government’s unwavering commitment to national integration, industrial revival, and infrastructure modernization. Greeted by an outpouring of popular support, the Head of State began his working and inspection visit by commissioning the Béchar-Abadla railway line, a 100-kilometre segment expected to catalyze economic activity and deepen connectivity within the vast southern regions.
A Strategic Artery for National Unity and Economic Vitality
“This railway is not merely a mode of transport—it is a lifeline that reinforces our national cohesion and paves the way for an integrated economic system,” President Tebboune declared during the inauguration ceremony. The line, he stressed, is a realized dream and a concrete manifestation of Algeria’s self-reliant capabilities, noting that “we possess national competencies capable of executing strategic projects of this magnitude.”
Looking beyond Béchar, the president expressed his vision for extending the rail network: “We aim to stretch this line further, reaching Adrar and from El Meniaa to Tamanrasset, so that our generation fulfills its duty, just as the generation of the glorious Liberation Revolution did by liberating the nation. Long live Algeria.”
Massive Public Reception and Emotional Connection with the People
President Tebboune was welcomed with deep affection by the citizens and local dignitaries of Béchar, who lined the streets in a vivid demonstration of their support. In a moving address, he acknowledged the heartfelt reception and underlined the strategic significance of the south: “The south is not merely Algeria’s geographic depth—it is its beating heart.”
He held meetings with civil society representatives, attentively listening to their interventions and reaffirming the government’s intention to address their concerns with tangible actions. The visit, marked by nationalistic symbolism, was also attended by top government officials, including Army General Saïd Chanegriha and Interior Minister Brahim Merad.
Bolstering Water Security: Guetrani 2 and Wastewater Treatment Stations Inaugurated
A crucial highlight of the visit was the commissioning of the Guetrani 2 water pumping station and a cutting-edge wastewater treatment facility in Béchar. The latter, one of the largest in the region, spans 14 hectares and treats up to 55,000 cubic meters of wastewater daily using advanced tertiary treatment technologies aligned with international standards.
Equipped with a specialized laboratory, the station purifies water that is later transferred to the Toumiat industrial zone, 30 km away. The Guetrani 2 station, a flagship project under President Tebboune’s water security agenda, boasts 26 deep wells, three high-capacity pumping stations, and a 20,000 m³ reservoir, all operating through a sophisticated fiber-optic automation system. Both projects were executed exclusively by Algerian engineers and technical teams, underscoring the nation’s growing reliance on its own skilled workforce.
Industrial Leap: Foundation Laid for Iron Ore Concentrate and Pellet Plant
President Tebboune also laid the foundation stone for a major industrial complex in the Toumiat region. This facility will specialize in the production of iron ore concentrate and pellets, forming an integral part of Algeria’s strategic plan to exploit the Gara Djebilet iron mine. The initiative is set to reinforce Algeria’s industrial base, reduce reliance on imports, and contribute to job creation and regional development.
“Through this complex, we’re not only unlocking our mineral wealth but also laying the groundwork for industrial sovereignty,” President Tebboune emphasized, highlighting its alignment with the national strategy to transition towards an emerging economy.
President Tebboune Launches First Major Sports Complex in Southern Algeria: A New Era for Athletic Development in Béchar
During his working and inspection visit to the wilaya of Béchar, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune officially launched the Béchar Sports Complex on Thursday—a landmark achievement and the first of its kind in the South of Algeria. This state-of-the-art facility reflects the government’s commitment to promoting sports infrastructure in historically underserved regions and marks a significant step in decentralizing national development.
Spanning an impressive 830,000 square meters, the complex features a 25,000-seat stadium, a covered semi-Olympic swimming pool, and a modern athletics track. It is equipped with cutting-edge fire detection and suppression systems and includes a range of auxiliary structures such as administrative offices, restaurants, a medical clinic, and a conference hall. This comprehensive infrastructure aims to support both professional and amateur sports while fostering a dynamic social and athletic environment in the southwest of the country.
Towards a Self-Reliant, Emergent Algeria
President Tebboune’s comprehensive tour of Béchar is emblematic of a broader national vision—one rooted in strategic autonomy, regional balance, and inclusive growth. His declarations resound with a commitment to elevating the south and leveraging local potential to power Algeria’s rise among emerging nations.
With visible progress on the ground, unwavering public support, and a strong institutional drive, the presidential visit stands as a defining moment in Algeria’s developmental trajectory—marking not only infrastructural breakthroughs but also a deepening of the trust pact between the State and its people.
“This is our generation’s mission: to build, unify, and honor the legacy of liberation with action and foresight,” concluded the President, to the cheers of a proud and hopeful Béchar.
