Chlef road collapses after heavy rains, traffic diverted

The recent heavy rains have caused a significant disruption in the Chlef province, with the vital road connecting El Karimia and Beni Bouattab now impassable. This closure, a direct consequence of a major land subsidence, highlights the vulnerability of our mountainous regions to extreme weather events. The swift response from the Wali and the Public Works Department, including the immediate diversion of traffic and the dispatch of specialized teams, demonstrates a commitment to public safety and maintaining essential connectivity.

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The traffic is diverted to another route serving the two localities located in a mountainous area that runs along the Ouarsenis massif.

While the temporary measures ensure that residents of Beni Bouattab and surrounding areas are not completely cut off, the focus now shifts to the urgent repairs and subsequent consolidation of the affected road section. The involvement of a private company for immediate intervention signals the seriousness with which this issue is being treated. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for continuous infrastructure assessment and reinforcement, particularly in areas prone to geological instability.

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The Wali of Chlef visited the site to ascertain the condition of the provincial road (CW 132) connecting the communes of El Karimia and Beni Bouattab, in the southern mountainous areas of the region.

Despite this setback, it is noteworthy that the overall road network in the wilaya has largely remained functional, a testament to the rapid interventions by the public works teams. However, the El Karimia incident underscores the specific challenges posed by such events and the importance of proactive infrastructure management to mitigate future risks and ensure the smooth flow of traffic in our province.

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Total closure of this provincial road to avoid any risk to users, diversion of traffic on a temporary passage towards Beni Bouattab and requisition of a private public works company for urgent intervention on the site to treat this subsidence during this week.