In a significant move to accelerate Algeria’s key infrastructure development, the Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, Mr. Abdelkader Djellaoui, chaired two high-level meetings on Thursday. These sessions were dedicated to rigorously monitoring the implementation of his prior field instructions concerning two strategically vital projects: one linking the major port of Béjaïa and another connecting the wilaya of Tizi Ouzou to the East-West Highway (Autoroute Est-Ouest). This initiative is part of a series of periodic reviews designed to assess and drive forward the progress of the sector’s most critical projects, according to a ministry statement.
The first meeting zeroed in on the access road project for the Port of Béjaïa, a crucial economic gateway. The discussion provided a detailed review of the remaining sections, specifically at kilometer points 11 and 16. These segments are pivotal for the final connection of the access road to National Road 12 (RN12) at Oued Ghir. The primary objective of this project is twofold: to dramatically improve traffic flow for goods and passengers and to forge a robust, high-capacity link between the port—a fundamental node for import/export—and the national highway network, thereby enhancing the entire region’s logistical efficiency.
The situation of the Sidi Aich interchange, a complex node in the network, was also a key topic. The meeting emphasized the urgent need to identify and remove all technical and administrative obstacles that could hinder the smooth progression of construction. The minister issued a clear directive to accelerate the implementation pace and to establish a precise, actionable schedule for final completion. He simultaneously stressed the non-negotiable requirement to ensure full compliance with all applicable technical and safety standards, the statement added.
East-West Highway: Djellaoui Insists on Finalizing Maintenance Studies for Sections Before the End of Next Week
The second meeting shifted focus to the road project linking the wilaya of Tizi Ouzou to the East-West Highway via the wilaya of Bouira. Attendees received a comprehensive presentation on the progress of work on the remaining sections and the ongoing preparations to secure all necessary conditions for delivering the project within the established deadlines.
A major point of discussion was the proposed technical solutions for treating a significant and challenging landslide at Draâ El Mizan. This geological issue represents a critical risk to both project continuity and long-term road safety. The evaluation of these solutions is paramount to ensuring not only the uninterrupted progress of construction but also the future integrity of the roadway and the safety of its users, all while maintaining the highest standards of construction quality.
These meetings underscore a coordinated, top-down approach to project management. Participation included central ministry officials, the consortia of construction companies responsible for the work, and the Directors of Public Works from the wilayas of Bouira, Tizi Ouzou, and Béjaïa, ensuring alignment between national strategy and local execution.
On the same day, in a parallel effort to bolster the nation’s entire highway network, Abdelkader Djellaoui chaired a separate working session. This meeting was dedicated to monitoring the progress of essential maintenance studies for sections of the East-West Highway and the second Algiers ring road, as well as assessing ongoing maintenance work across the highway network.
The minister set an ambitious and firm deadline, insisting that all available technical and human resources be mobilized to finalize and deliver the maintenance studies for the East-West Highway before the end of the following week. He placed particular emphasis on finalizing studies for identified ‘black spots’—sections known for high accident rates or structural vulnerability—including Djebahia-Bouderbala, Birtouta-Khemis El Khechna, and the Aïn Smara to Constantine stretch. Mr. Djellaoui stressed the imperative to transition from study to action, launching actual maintenance work immediately upon the finalization of these reports.
Furthermore, he called for the full mobilization of all staff, engineers, and workers of the Algerian Highways Agency (ADA) to ensure rigorous, on-the-ground monitoring and the effective implementation of all maintenance projects. Concluding the meeting, the minister reaffirmed the indispensable role of engineering firms and the National Technical Control Organization for Public Works (CTTP) in the quality assurance process. Their oversight is critical to guaranteeing that all work is executed to the highest standard and in strict adherence to national highway maintenance specifications.
This maintenance meeting brought together central ministry officials, the Directors General of ADA, CTTP, and the Algerian Infrastructure Studies Company (SAETI), as well as representatives from the Sétif Technical Studies Company (SETS), highlighting the comprehensive, multi-agency collaboration required to maintain Algeria’s critical infrastructure.