Algeria has launched a new wastewater treatment facility in Sidi Abdellah, aiming to improve water management, reduce pollution in the Mazafran basin, and support sustainable reuse for irrigation and green spaces.
The Algerian government has officially commissioned a new wastewater treatment plant in Sidi Abdellah, south of Algiers, marking a significant step in the capital's water management strategy. The facility, inaugurated by Minister of Hydraulics Lounès Bouzegza alongside Mohamed Abdenour Rabehi, minister-wali of Algiers, is designed to process up to 32,000 cubic metres of wastewater daily. It will serve an estimated 200,000 residents across Mahelma Sud, Rahmania Sud, Dekakna, Hadj Ya'koub (Douéra), and Tessala El Merdja.
Environmental Impact and Water Reuse
The new plant is expected to play a critical role in reducing pollution in the Mazafran river basin and protecting local ecosystems. By improving the quality of treated water, the facility enables the reuse of water resources for irrigating green spaces and agricultural land, supporting the city's adaptation to water stress. The project aligns with Algeria's broader efforts to modernise urban infrastructure and address environmental challenges.
Strategic Shift Toward Advanced Treatment
Minister Bouzegza emphasised the importance of expanding tertiary treatment technologies, which can provide additional volumes of water suitable for agriculture, industry, and urban landscaping. He also highlighted the urgency of eliminating environmental hotspots along the Mazafran and Réghaïa basins to mitigate health risks and prevent waterborne diseases. The government's focus on maximising the efficiency and profitability of such infrastructure reflects a wider commitment to sustainable resource management.
Institutional Support and Regional Context
The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior officials, including the president of the Algiers Provincial Assembly, Mohamed El-Habib Benboulaïd, parliamentarians, security committee members, and local administrators. The project is part of a series of infrastructure upgrades in Algiers, complementing other recent initiatives such as the modernisation of public transport, as seen in the launch of new financing for Algeria's bus fleet renewal. These efforts collectively aim to enhance urban services and environmental sustainability in the capital.
