Zaâlane: “Leave Air Algérie working… The Chinese Procedures Are Normal”

The Minister of Public Works and Transport Mr. Abdelghani Zaâlane gave a rather pessimistic view on the embodiment of the double-line and electrified railway project and the connection between Tenia in Boumerdes and the province of Bordj Bou Arreridj through the province of Bouira, provided the country’s financial situation gets improving, while referring to the planned achievement of the global dry port project in Tipaza province, 60 km west of Algiers.

The Minister of Public Works and Transport also stated that 80 percent of the national and provincial road network is in good condition pending the completion of the remaining projects notably in the province of Bouira.

 He made the comments during a working visit on Sunday, to inspect the road project between Bouira and Sour El Ghazlane, as well as the highway project between Bouira and Tizi Ouzou. 

On the spot, Mr Zalaâne  stressed that his services have paid 120 billion DA as receivables to the contractors, which have long complained about the adverse financial situation, which necessitates the completion of the construction works within the deadlines.

In the context of the ongoing projects related to his sector, the Minister stopped over at the project of double-line and electrified link between Tenia and Bourdj Bouarreridj crossing through Bouira for a total distance estimated at 162 km, where he stressed that several relevant projects still required an in-depth feasibility study, especially in terms of circumventing urban areas.

The relevant feasibility study, which will be carried out jointly by a German and a French company, is expected to be finalized in August 2018, he explained. 

A Chinese company will be entrusted for its part with the construction works, but the Minster underscored to this effect that “this major project’s smooth achievement will depend on the hoped-for improvement of the financial situation of the country”.

Furthermore, in response to a reporter’s question about the recent accusations leveled by the Algerian Airline Trade Union about the so-called “conspiracy” hatched by the senior management against the company’s workers and technicians, the Minister of Public Works and transport underlined that “the national airline company is working well and normally, while calling on all and sundry to leave it operating without interference”.