Algerian Radio
Five new dams are being added to the 81 already existing in Algeria, including one in Khenchela which "will be filled with water in a few days," according to Ms. Nadia Ouchar, Central Director at the National Agency for Dams and Transfers (ANBT).
Ms. Ouchar, speaking this morning on the program "L'invité du jour" (Guest of the Day) on Algerian Radio's Channel 3, added that the contribution of these five new dams is expected to reach 300 million cubic meters.
It should be noted that the dam filling rate saw a slight decline in 2025, which has just ended, dropping from nearly 35% to the current 33.82%, given that volumes fluctuate during the year based on consumption and inflow. In 2024, the rate was nearly 40%.
Ms. Ouchar noted that the rainfall currently occurring simultaneously in several Wilayas of the country, particularly in the form of snow, is a good omen and brings hope for a higher filling rate. "However, precipitation would be needed for at least ten days," she stated.
Regarding the five new dams, the Radio guest specified that they are the Djedra dam in the Wilaya of Souk Ahras, which has already been filled; two dams in the Wilaya of Tizi Ouzou (Sidi Khelifa and Souk Telata); the Lzereg dam in the Wilaya of Khenchela; and the Bouhdid dam in Annaba, "which is not a storage dam but rather intended to protect the city from floods and overflowing." She added that other projects for the construction of new dams are upcoming in implementation of the national water security strategy. Furthermore, "about forty studies are currently with the ANBT and the Ministry with a view to increasing our water reserves to 1 billion cubic meters."
