Algerian Radio
The Minister of Public Works and Basic Infrastructure, Abdelkader Djellaoui, highlighted on Monday in Algiers the pivotal role played by Algeria in the realization of the Trans-Saharan Road. He renewed its firm commitment to continuing support for this strategic continental project and enhancing its role as a key driver for integration and development on the African continent.
In a speech delivered during the proceedings of the 77th session of the Trans-Saharan Road Liaison Committee, Mr. Djellaoui affirmed that "Algeria plays a leading role in this continental project, having engaged in it since the early years of its national independence, based on its firm awareness of the need to achieve and promote African integration through the development of trade exchanges and the connection of the countries involved."
In this context, he pointed to Algeria's continuous support for the completion of the Trans-Saharan Road project, which "falls at the heart of the vision of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, regarding African issues, based on deepening cooperation and promoting and strengthening development tools."
After highlighting the importance of the road as a primary vector for economic and social development and a pillar for improving the social conditions of the populations in the countries it crosses, the minister renewed Algeria's full support for transforming this project into an effective and integrated economic corridor. This would be done according to a new comprehensive approach integrating various vital fields, including roads, railways, fiber optics, energy networks, and logistics services.
Within this framework, Algeria is working—as he stated—to include the Algiers-Tamanrasset railway line project within this comprehensive vision, considering it a strategic complement to the Trans-Saharan Road, a supportive axis for the movement of people and goods, and a catalyst for investment.
In the same context, he drew attention to Algeria's efforts to complete the remaining sections of the Trans-Saharan Road inside Chad, where preparations are underway for the construction of two road sections on Chadian territory by national enterprises.
Added to this are the memoranda of understanding recently signed with Niger, which include strengthening the exchange of expertise in the field of public works, thereby accelerating the pace of implementation and enhancing the path of continental integration and connectivity.
In a related context, the minister announced the imminent start of construction works for the railway line connecting Ouargla and Hassi Messaoud, passing through El Menia, noting that the contract was awarded by mutual agreement to national enterprises.
For his part, the representative of the infrastructure sector in Chad at this meeting, Abakar Nassiri Tchoroma, explained that Algeria plays a pivotal role in the realization of this important project and in creating a significant dynamic that helps achieve its major and long-term goals, praising the assistance provided by Algeria to his country in this field.
Meanwhile, the representative of the equipment sector in Niger, Abba Nakouara Bachir, highlighted the importance of this strategic project, which will allow his country to transport various goods to and from the ports in the north of the continent. This would give new dynamism to trade in Niger and make it a strategic transit hub.
The representative of the public works sector in Nigeria, Ama Bassey Ekong, praised Algeria's role in the realization of several major continental projects, foremost among them the Trans-Saharan Road project, which is considered a qualitative addition to Africa, especially in boosting intra-regional trade.
In turn, the representative of the roads sector in Tunisia, Khaled Latreche, affirmed the importance of this meeting, which will allow for assessing what has been achieved by the member states and working to intensify efforts to complete most of the planned projects.
It is worth noting that the opening of this two-day meeting was attended by the Minister; the Wali of Algiers, Mohamed Abdenour Rabhi; the Secretary of State to the Minister of Foreign Affairs in charge of African Affairs, Bakhta Selma Mansouri; in addition to representatives of several public bodies and institutions.
On the sidelines of the opening ceremony, Mr. Djellaoui oversaw the honoring of the family of the late Mohamed Ayadi, former Secretary-General of the Trans-Saharan Road Liaison Committee, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to serving this strategic continental project and his active role in strengthening cooperation and integration among African countries.
On the same occasion, the lecture hall at the Higher School of Public Works Management, which hosted this session, was named after the late "Mohamed Ayadi" in appreciation of his professional career.
An exhibition was also organized at the school on the sidelines of the session to introduce national enterprises and their achievements in the field of public works and infrastructure.
