Get to Know Lounès Bouzegza: From Local Administration to Algeria’s Ministry of Hydraulics
By Dr. Hana Saada
President of the Republic Abdelmadjid Tebboune has appointed Lounès Bouzegza as Minister of Hydraulics on Thursday, 16 April 2026, succeeding Taha Derbal, whose tenure concluded earlier this month.
This appointment comes at a critical juncture for Algeria’s water sector, as public authorities intensify efforts to secure sustainable and reliable water supply systems. The hydraulics portfolio remains central to national priorities, particularly in light of ongoing large-scale investments in desalination infrastructure and water resource management.
Bouzegza assumes office within a policy framework shaped by an expanded programme of seawater desalination plants and the modernisation of dam infrastructure, initiatives aimed at strengthening national water security and addressing imbalances in supply across regions. These projects form part of a broader strategy to ensure consistent access to drinking water and to support agricultural development.
Prior to his appointment, Bouzegza held a series of senior administrative positions within Algeria’s local governance system. He served as head of several daïras across multiple wilayas, including Tiaret, Tizi Ouzou, Oum El Bouaghi, Mila and Guelma. He was subsequently appointed Secretary-General of the wilaya of Sétif, before assuming the position of Wali of Souk Ahras from 2019 to 2023, and later Wali of Naama from 2023 until April 2026.
During his tenure in Naama, administrative efforts focused on the development of agricultural investment, notably through the mobilisation of extensive land resources for strategic crops, alongside the attraction of industrial projects, including large-scale initiatives in manufacturing.
In his new capacity, Bouzegza will oversee key national projects related to water supply infrastructure, including desalination plants and dam management systems. His mandate will involve coordinating efforts to enhance distribution networks and to address demand across both urban and rural areas, within a sector that remains structurally vital to economic stability and territorial cohesion.
— 𝐄𝐍𝐃 —
Dzair Tube Media Group | Record and Standing
Dzair Tube is a leading Algerian digital journalism platform, delivering high-quality content in Arabic, French, and English. With a daily readership exceeding 500,000, it has established itself among the country’s most influential media organizations.
Recognized for editorial excellence and integrity, Dzair Tube was awarded the President of the Republic’s Prize for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on 22 October 2022. The platform operates from state-of-the-art studios, producing diverse programming across news, sports, culture, entertainment, and religion.
Dzair Tube maintains a robust digital presence, with over 600,000 YouTube subscribers, six million followers across Facebook pages, and more than 70,000 Instagram followers. Its sports daily, Dzair Sport, enjoys over 50,000 daily downloads via its official website, cementing its leadership in multimedia journalism.
Further recognized with the Media Leadership Award by former Minister of Communication Mohamed Laâgab and celebrated at the Hilals of Television awards, Dzair Tube continues to set benchmarks in innovation, influence, and public engagement, serving as a key forum for civic discourse, critical analysis, and public affairs.
Official website: www.dzair-tube.dz | English: www.dzair-tube.dz/en
