Five new dams, currently under construction, are set to enter into service starting this year, the Director General of the National Agency for Dams and Transfers (ANBT), Abdelatif Azira, said Tuesday in Algiers, adding that once completed, these projects will bring the total number of dams nationwide to 86.
Speaking at El Moudjahid daily forum, Azira said that these dams are located in the provinces of Souk Ahras, Khenchela, Tizi Ouzou, El Tarf and Annaba, adding that some projects will be operational in the near term, and others before the end of the year, while the remaining dams are expected to be delivered during the first quarter of next year, raising the number of dams operating nationwide from 81 to 86.
The official said that studies are underway for the execution of additional projects in the future, stressing that thanks to its water security strategy, Algeria is in a reassuring position regarding water resources, both through its network of dams as well as its seawater desalination plants.
He emphasized that dams nationwide are currently 44.2% full, thanks to the recent rainfall, and is expected to reach 60% by the end of the winter season.
The same official said that eight dams are at their full capacity, in the provinces of Mascara, Tissemsilt, Mostaganem, Jijel, Skikda, and El Tarf, with 58 other dams surpassing 50%.
This situation ensures a consistent water supply for citizens, notably during Ramadan, highlighting that preparations are underway to guarantee reliable public service during the upcoming summer season.
