Acting on instructions from President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune, a high-level ministerial delegation led by Minister of State and Minister of the Interior and Local Authorities, Brahim Merad, traveled to Tlemcen Province Tuesday. The visit followed alarming levels of pollution detected in the Mouilah, El-Mehaguene, and Abbès oueds, which have significantly impacted the Hammam Boughrara Dam.
The primary objective of this significant ministerial deployment is to establish a multisectoral response to this escalating sanitary and environmental threat. Measures include enhanced monitoring, legal action against those responsible for the discharges, and the potential involvement of international bodies.
During the visit, Mr. Merad affirmed that “the protection of water resources, guaranteeing the water and sanitary security of citizens, and the preservation of ecological balance and biodiversity remain major priorities for the state.” Accompanied by the ministers responsible for Water Resources, Environment and Quality of Life, Health, and Communication, he visited the Maghnia region to personally witness the consequences of the pollution affecting the aforementioned oueds and its downstream impact on the Hammam Boughrara Dam. Local officials, experts, and relevant representatives presented the delegation with the findings of their investigations and data gathered on site.
At a press conference held following the tour, Mr. Merad stated that “analyses have confirmed a concerning level of chemical and microbiological contamination.” He added that “specifically, they revealed elevated biological and chemical indicators, alongside the presence of pharmaceutical substances and heavy metals in the waters.” According to explanations provided to delegation members, certain pollutant concentrations reportedly exceed reference thresholds by several dozen, or even up to one hundred times.
This degradation has already produced visible consequences on the natural environment, marked by significant fish mortality and deterioration of the aquatic ecosystem. The minister also noted that “investigations point to several sources of contamination, including domestic and urban wastewater, untreated industrial discharges, and agricultural activities, particularly the use of fertilizers and pesticides whose residues can enter watercourses directly.”
The pollution threatens aquatic fauna, vegetation, soil, and agricultural land. It also poses a risk to groundwater resources and, ultimately, human health through direct exposure or the food chain. The contamination of groundwater tables is a particular concern, as their restoration could require many years of treatment.
Facing this situation, Brahim Merad sought to reassure the public regarding the potable water supply. He declared that “we ensure that citizens are not deprived of such an essential commodity as water. We guarantee that the water reaching the consumer is healthy, compliant, and available in sufficient quantity.” He specified that water intended for human consumption undergoes treatment and meets required sanitary standards.
Ongoing analysis tracking, strengthened surveillance, and a review of treatment capacities are among the measures to be deepened with the various concerned sectors. State services have been directed to continue their intervention in order to evaluate the situation and protect critical water resources.
Case Escalated to International Level
The minister also announced a firm response against those responsible for the polluting discharges. “These criminal practices and environmental attacks are totally unacceptable. They will be treated with all necessary seriousness and responsibility through strict legal procedures against the involved parties, who will be compelled to treat their wastewater,” he warned.
This requirement particularly concerns industrial discharges and wastewater dumped into watercourses without prior treatment. “We cannot accept that the consequences of these practices are borne by our population,” he argued.
The transboundary dimension of this pollution gives the case a scope extending beyond the local framework. Mr. Merad recalled that the observed violations were contrary to international conventions and commitments relating to the protection of the environment and natural resources. He assured that “the authorities will follow this dossier with firmness on national and international fronts to guarantee the protection of water resources and public health.”
When questioned regarding potential steps taken with international bodies concerning this situation, the minister explained that the current visit constitutes a first step intended to establish facts and measure the extent of the damages on the ground, before evoking recourse to international organizations and competent mechanisms, particularly those falling under the United Nations.
He declared: “We cannot remain idle in the face of such an attack. International conventions exist, as do cooperation mechanisms between states and competent organizations. We must bring this issue before these instances.”
The state thus intends to pursue investigations, reinforce the protection of water resources, and undertake necessary steps to hold those responsible for discharges accountable for ending the practices at the origin of this pollution. The priority remains preserving water quality, the health of inhabitants, and the ecological balance of this region.