Algeria launches road rehabilitation programme

Algeria has revealed a new national road rehabilitation programme to enhance safety, connectivity and economic resilience. According to Africa Sustainability Matters on June 9th, this new road rehabilitation programme aims to upgrade infrastructure in light of decades of public investment and long-term development objectives. 

Announced by the Public Works and Basic Infrastructure Minister Abdelkader Djellaoui during a session of the National People’s Assembly, the project will focus on the restoration of existing roads and strategic transport assets, with developments guided by technical assessments and infrastructure priorities. 

This marks a step in Algeria’s infrastructure strategy, shifting attention from the construction of new roads to their maintenance. Road maintenance has become a national priority as traffic increases and existing infrastructure ages.

Critical roads for commerce and regional integration will be the focus. Algeria’s motorway network will be repaired, including the East-West highway, which is one of North Africa’s most important transportation corridors. Technical assessments have identified key issues and areas where urgent intervention is needed. 

Inadequate transport systems in North Africa continue to disable commerce and attractiveness in certain regions that face isolation from traffic and networks. Algeria’s decision to prioritise maintenance highlights important shifts in transport policy. 

Additionally, these infrastructure rehabilitation programs are key to increasing road safety in Algeria, which continues to be a common challenge. Road accidents due to poor roads impose substantial economic and human costs. 

The Ministry of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure is preparing to draft an executive decree that will establish harmonised technical standards throughout all roads of Algeria. Consistency across the country and common standards are a goal and an objective for this new functioning road network. 

Sustainability implications of the programme are equally significant. Deteriorating roads contribute to higher fuel consumption and increased emissions across the country. 

Finally, the programme also carries regional implications. Strengthening links between provinces and different areas is key to this new project, improving access to industrial zones, export corridors and agricultural production areas. 

Africa Sustainability Matters, Maghrebi.org