Work advances on Mostaganem desalination plant

A sea water desalination plant with a capacity of 300,000 cubic metres a day is being built at Sidi Laadjel, in Khadra, east of Mostaganem, Algérie Eco reported.

Nour Eddine Daoudi, chief executive (PDG) of Sonatrach, visited the site on Saturday with senior managers of the group. The visit included the director general of the Algerian Seawater Company (ADEM).

The director general of the Algerian Company for the Realisation of Industrial Projects, a Sonatrach subsidiary, also took part.

The team checked the work plans and whether the project keeps to its deadlines. The project is part of the second complementary programme decided by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune.

Wali (governor) Ahmed Boudouh of Mostaganem also visited the site, where work is continuing as planned.

Mouloud Hachelaf, deputy director general of ADEM in charge of communication, said the project has made clear progress since the first concrete pour about two weeks ago.

Work has now reached full speed. The three teams take turns on eight-hour shifts, so the work runs continuously.

At peak times, the project should employ nearly 1,250 workers. For the operating phase, more than 100 workers will be hired.

The project should also help to boost local subcontracting firms. The implementation plans set a national integration rate of at least 30%.

The two companies involved plan to raise that rate as the project moves forward.

During the visit, meetings with the different parties involved examined the plans. They also looked at possible problems that could slow the project and worked on the timetable for each stage, so that the plant can be delivered as soon as possible.

Full operation is planned for 2029. Once the plant is fully working, it will supply desalinated water to three million people in wilayas in the west of the country.