Algeria undertaking two projects to combat water shortages

Algeria is preparing to launch two major projects to transfer the Sahara Desert's underground water resources to supply towns in the far south and on the High Plateaux in the north of the country.

During a visit to the Annaba region on Monday (7 August), Water Resources Minister Abdelmalek Sellal said Algeria is hoping to help solve its chronic water shortages by exploiting its underground Saharan water resources.

The largest Algerian hydrology project to date will involve the underground water being transferred 750km each way from Ain Salah to Tamanrasset in the south of the country. The Algerian government also plans to transfer Sahara artesian layer water to the High Plateaux in the north.

The first feasibility studies and project appraisals have been completed, while other studies are still in progress. Exploratory drilling has already started, with an initial total budget calculated to be $1.8 billion for the two projects.