Sonatrach Group announced the receipt of the first shipment of sensitive equipment necessary to operate the seawater desalination stations for “Ras Djenet, El Tarf, Bejaia and Fouka”, represented by pumps coming from Japan.

Sonatrach’s statement said, “In implementation of the program approved by President of the Republic Mr. Abdelmadjid Tebboune, which aims to enhance water security in Algeria by desalinating seawater through the complementary national program consisting of the construction of five major seawater desalination plants with a production capacity estimated at 1.5 million m3/day, in the states of Oran, Tipaza, Boumerdes, Bejaia and El Tarf in record time, and in accordance with the directives of the CEO of the Sonatrach Group, Rachid Hachichi, the Group, through the Algerian Energy Company, the Group’s branch and the project owner, has begun to establish an air bridge consisting of ten flights to transport equipment and supplies intended for the projects in order to accelerate the completion of the final phase of the program, extending from September 13 to 26, 2024, in cooperation with the Group’s subsidiaries responsible for the construction works, namely the National Company for Major Petroleum Works, the Algerian Company for the Construction of Industrial Projects, the National Company for Canals, and the Cosider Canals Company.”

The first shipment of sensitive equipment necessary for the operation of the Ras Djinet, El Tarf, Bejaia and Fouka stations, consisting of pumps coming from Japan, was received at Houari Boumediene International Airport. The operation was attended by the general managers of Sonatrach branches, respectively: Lotfi Zenadi, CEO of the Algerian Energy Company, Tarek Nouizi, CEO of the Algerian Company for the Realization of Industrial Projects, Abdelhakim Chehli, CEO of the National Company for Canals, as well as Mammeri Ben Youcef, CEO of the National Company for Major Petroleum Works, in addition to Kaboul Rafik, representing the CEO of Cosider Canals.

The statement added that the rapid import formula for this equipment, which mainly includes pumps supporting energy recovery systems, was resorted to via air freight, which will allow the time period for receiving it to be respected in a few days instead of sea freight, which takes several months.

It should be noted that the progress of work on the five stations has reached an advanced rate estimated at 75 percent. All this effort and these measures taken by Sonatrach Group in coordination with the Ministry of Energy and Mines reflect the State’s keenness and the commitment of all actors in this program to deliver projects within their specified deadlines.

Kahina Bouaouina/ English Version: Med.B