TIARET, Algeria – Riots erupted in the desert city of Tiaret, Algeria, last weekend due to severe water shortages that have left residents without access to drinking water for months. The protests were sparked by residents wearing balaclavas setting tires on fire and blocking roads to demand an end to water rationing.
President Abdelmajid Tebboune called for emergency measures to address the crisis in Tiaret, a city of less than 200,000 people located southwest of Algiers. The region has been facing a multi-year drought that has depleted critical reservoirs and reduced rainfall, exacerbating the water scarcity issue.
To address the immediate water shortage, the government has sent officials to apologize to the population and promised to restore access to drinking water. Efforts are also being made to import water from nearby sources until new pipelines can transport groundwater from wells located 20 miles away.
Algeria is exploring long-term solutions, including piping water from larger dams and investing in desalination plants. However, the region’s groundwater aquifers have not been able to recharge due to the lack of rain in recent years.
The tensions in Tiaret have gained attention on social media but have not received extensive coverage in the Algerian media, which is often influenced by state advertising revenue. The country’s press freedom has also been restricted in recent years, with journalists being imprisoned. Despite efforts to alleviate the water crisis in Tiaret, the situation remains tense as residents continue to struggle with water scarcity.
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