Gas and electricity supply below expectations in Algeria

As part of the five-year plan (2005-2009) outlined by the Algerian authorities to provide the Algerian families with gas across the country, estimates show that 41% of the overall program was fulfilled which remains a weak percentage if compared with the budget allocated to this operation estimated at billions of Algerian Dinars.

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• Despite this setback the state ran gas and electricity company “Sonelgaz” considers the rate as satisfactory in comparison to other countries and explains the reasons behind the failure to reach over 50% of the plan, to geological problems encounter in some of the provinces across the country.
• In a report issued on December 2008 concerning 6 programs covering 12 Algerian provinces, it was revealed that the operation didn’t live up to expectations, mentioning the example of the province of Tamanrasset (farther south of Algeria) where the works didn’t start after 5 years for bureaucratic reasons.
• According to figures issued in 2008, the province of Blida (40 kms of Algiers) will benefit from more than 130 kms of gas network covering more than 4500 families adding to a previous program where 217 kms were completed providing more than 10 thousand families with gas.
• Estimates may appear satisfactory in comparison to other provinces where the outcome is below expectations, for instance the province of Bouira was covered at a level of 44% satisfying 2223 families in the initial 4948, while in the mountainous region of 72kms only have been satisfied in a total of 176kms.
• The rate in the province of Tizi Ouzou (100 kms of Algiers) didn’t exceed 34% and the total network reached 284 kms while 455 kms were on the program.
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•  By and large, the rate of the program’s implementation in the 12 provinces concerning electricity was 32% in 2006, 24% in 2007and 51% in 2008 with respectively a total of 510kms, 673kms and 833kms.
• Answering to “Echorouk” about the reasons behind the delay in fulfilling the program, the in charge of communication at the company Ms Amel Mikideche declared that the country’s percentage reached 41% adding that expectations in the offing of 2011-2012 will reach