Algerian President Demands Radical Overhaul of Water Company to Combat Waste

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has issued a strong directive demanding a fundamental restructuring of the Algerian Water Company (ADE), signaling a critical turning point in the nation's approach to water resource management. The President's intervention comes in response to alarming levels of water loss within distribution networks, a problem that has plagued the country and necessitates an urgent shift towards greater efficiency and accountability.

The core of President Tebboune's mandate is to instill a culture of effectiveness throughout ADE's operations. He specifically highlighted the paradox of certain communes lacking adequate water supply despite the presence of natural water sources, often due to the absence of local ADE agencies. This points to systemic failures in distribution and management that the proposed modernization aims to rectify. The President's call for an end to "archaic management" methods underscores the need for immediate and tangible improvements.

A significant emphasis is placed on combating water wastage and network leaks, which are described as "considerable." The Minister of Water Resources has been tasked with revising the national management and distribution plan to be more rigorous. This focus on curbing losses through aging or poorly maintained infrastructure is crucial for conserving a vital resource that is currently being squandered. The goal is to ensure that water reaches all citizens effectively and without undue loss.

Beyond operational improvements, President Tebboune advocates for an inter-sectoral approach to water management, moving beyond the purview of a single ministry. This collaborative strategy aims to dismantle bureaucratic hurdles and technical obstacles that hinder the optimal exploitation of water resources. Ultimately, the President stressed that the preservation of this national wealth must be intrinsically linked to addressing the daily concerns of citizens, ensuring that water management serves the public good and enhances the quality of life for all Algerians.