Algerian Radio
The Minister of the Interior, Local Communities, and Transport, Mr. Saïd Sayoud, chaired a meeting on Tuesday with the walis of the Republic dedicated to monitoring the compensation operations for forest fire victims, the deadline for which is set, at the latest, for the end of August, the ministry said in a statement.
This coordination meeting, held via videoconference, brought together the walis of the wilayas of Jijel, Skikda, Constantine, Annaba, El Tarf, Sidi Bel Abbès, Tlemcen, Bejaia, Tizi Ouzou, Bordj Bou Arréridj, Bouira, Souk Ahras, Mascara, Saïda, Mila, and Guelma, accompanied by the concerned executive directors. The session was attended by the Director General of Civil Protection, Colonel Boualem Bourelaf, as well as ministry executives, the statement specified.
The meeting began with the recitation of the Fatiha in memory of the forest fire victims. On this occasion, Mr. Sayoud offered his sincere condolences and deep sympathy to the families of the victims, praising the considerable efforts made by various forces and bodies in fighting the fires.
He also conveyed the "thanks of the President of the Republic, Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to the walis, all local authorities, and the various responders, in recognition of their mobilization, discipline, and sense of responsibility in facing this situation," the statement added.
Regarding the compensation ordered by the President of the Republic, Mr. Sayoud insisted on the need to "accelerate the processing of files and finalize the operation within the set deadlines," while ensuring it is conducted in a spirit of "transparence, integrity, pragmatism, and equity."
He also noted the need to maintain the same level of mobilization and vigilance, even after all fires have been extinguished, and to strengthen preventive measures to prepare for any eventuality.
On this occasion, the minister recalled the substantial resources mobilized by the state to protect citizens, property, and forest and agricultural wealth. He indicated that the state will continue to support the Civil Protection system, particularly in terms of human resources, alongside strengthening its capabilities with machinery, equipment, trucks, water tankers, and aerial intervention assets, as well as relaunching and strengthening projects to build Civil Protection units.
Furthermore, Mr. Sayoud addressed the issue of environmental cleanliness, highlighting the need for the mobilization of walis and all local authorities to improve cleanliness levels and maintain the urban environment, as this remains one of the priorities directly linked to the daily life of citizens.
