Minister of Energy and Mines Arkab Emphasizes Commitment to National Electrification

BY: Hana Saada

ALGIERS, November 19, 2023 | The Minister of Energy and Mines, Mohamed Arkab, confirmed on Saturday in Tizi-Ouzou, the ongoing efforts of the state to connect all households nationwide to the electricity grid.

During his working visit to the Tizi-Ouzou province, Mr. Arkab specified that the efforts are focused on connecting all households to the electricity grid, particularly new residences constructed as part of rural housing assistance programs promoted by the state in mountainous regions like Tizi-Ouzou.

The Ministry of Energy and Mines, aligning its efforts with national development, will work to connect all households across the country to the electricity grid. This initiative follows the instructions of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune to create a roadmap to be implemented within a short timeframe.

In Tizi-Ouzou, there are 24,000 households without electricity, and they will be addressed according to a plan devised in collaboration with provincial services.

During his visit to Chaoufa (Mekla Commune), Mr. Arkab inaugurated a 30/60 KV transformer implemented by Sonelgaz.

In Zekri commune, Mr. Arkab commissioned the natural gas network for 2,072 households under a program covering Ait Chafaa, Akerrou, and Zekri communes.

Regarding Ait Chafaa, the only commune in Tizi-Ouzou not supplied with natural gas, Mr. Arkab announced its connection in the first half of 2024.

In Sidi Namane commune, Mr. Arkab laid the foundation stone for a 60/220 KV electrical transformer project, part of the national electrical network reinforcement program. He emphasized that the project would strengthen Tizi Ouzou’s electrical network, ensure citizen power supply, and meet the region’s various development needs within specified delivery timelines.

At the Boukhalfa service station (Tizi Ouzou commune), the minister launched the 10th edition of the national awareness caravan for the safe use of butane gas cylinders.

During this event, he received a presentation on the digital transformation and E-payment project within Naftal, as well as the projects initiated by the company to develop and modernize its infrastructure, applications, and digital platforms.

In another presentation on measures for the winter season, statistics indicated an 80% increase in the stock of non-conditioned Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and a 100% capacity for conditioned butane gas. The minister stressed the need to redouble efforts to ensure all petroleum products throughout the country, especially in isolated regions.

Furthermore, Mr. Arkab announced an ongoing project to revise the safety distance around electrical and gas networks at the Ministry of Energy and Mines. This revision, following the President’s instructions, aims to adjust safety distances to launch projects blocked due to this measure and create jobs and wealth while ensuring human, equipment, and environmental safety.

This comprehensive update underscores the commitment of Algeria to electrify all households and enhance energy infrastructure, aligning with national development goals.