Focus on water security and regional balance: five stations with a capacity of 300,000 m³/day to secure the economic future

For the academic, the announced decisions, particularly those relating to development programmes for the southern wilayas and regions lagging structurally, represent a significant step towards reducing regional disparities and ensuring a more equitable distribution of wealth. He believes that the communiqué issued by the Council of Ministers reflects the government's key priorities for the start of 2026. At the top of the list is the preservation of social stability through price control, both during Ramadan and throughout the year. This approach is accompanied by increased investment in strategic infrastructure, particularly in the water sector in the far south. According to Tigharsi, the emphasis on supplying the market before the holy month is not solely a short-term measure. It is part of the national food security policy aimed at ensuring abundant supplies, preventing shortages and avoiding distribution disruption. The availability of agricultural and animal products thus contributes to price stabilisation and the fight against speculation. He stressed that early intervention by the State is a mechanism for protecting purchasing power and sends reassuring signals to both markets and citizens, consolidating confidence in the public authorities' ability to regulate supply chains.

Water, a key element in economic strategy

Addressing the issue of water, the economist highlighted that the current rainy season has led to a significant improvement in the levels of several dams. However, the main challenge remains optimising the use of these resources by improved storage capacity and rationalisation of consumption, whether for drinking water or irrigation. He particularly highlighted the national experience in seawater desalination, which he described as "successful and strategic". The launch of five new desalination plants, each with a daily production capacity of 300,000 cubic metres, is, in his view, a turning point for the country's water security. This additional capacity represents a major lever, particularly for the western regions, which have suffered from rainfall deficits over the last two decades. In line with this dynamic, the decision to extend the experiment to the southern wilayas, with the launch of two plants in Tamanrasset and Tindouf, was hailed as a strategic step towards meeting the current and future needs of the population. Investment in this vital infrastructure will reduce dependence on groundwater, stimulate economic and industrial activity, and create jobs, thereby contributing to demographic stability and strengthening national security.

Programmes to correct regional imbalances

In terms of regional development, Tigharsi noted that complementary programmes targeting the most disadvantaged wilayas are beginning to yield tangible results. He cited Djelfa, Khenchela, Tindouf and Tissemsilt, the latter having undergone significant transformations after decades of marginalisation, thanks to projects focusing on infrastructure, housing and public services. He also welcomed the extension of these programmes to the new wilayas resulting from the latest administrative reorganisation, considering that this approach reflects a clear political will to anchor harmonious and inclusive development at the national level. Through these guidelines, he said, the decisions of the Council of Ministers set out a roadmap based on three main areas: social stability, food and water security, and reducing regional inequalities. This strategy aims to consolidate national cohesion while laying the foundations for sustainable and productive development.