On the arid west coast of Algeria in North Africa, a water source project that concerns the fate of millions of people is breaking ground. In 2025, this country plagued by water scarcity officially launched the Sidi El Ajal large-scale seawater desalination project, injecting a blue lifeline into the dry land. This construction site located in Khedra city, Mostaganem province, is about to rise as a strategic fortress that will change the water resource pattern of the entire western region.

300000 cubic meters per day: solving the water shortage in four provinces

This milestone project is coordinated and implemented by the national energy giant Sonatrach and its subsidiaries, and is a core component of its national water replenishment plan. The project adopts the world's leading reverse osmosis seawater desalination technology, with a designed daily production capacity of up to 300000 cubic meters. After completion, it will stably deliver clean drinking water to four provinces: Mostaganem, Reilizane, Tissemsilt, and Tiaret.

Of particular note is that the project will benefit approximately 3 million residents, equivalent to one-third of the total population in the region. This scale not only makes it the largest seawater desalination project in western Algeria, but also ranks among the top in the entire North African region. The project leader stated that the first phase of production is expected to be achieved within 22 months, which will effectively alleviate the region's long-standing over reliance on traditional dams and underground aquifers.

Multiple benefits manifest: dual harvest of economy and ecology

In addition to directly addressing people's livelihood needs, this project will also bring significant socio-economic benefits. Throughout the entire project cycle, from civil engineering during the construction phase to maintenance and management during the operation phase, thousands of direct job opportunities will be created. At the same time, the construction of supporting pipelines, water supply services and other related industries will also generate a large number of indirect employment opportunities.

More profoundly, through this strategic project, Algeria will systematically enhance its technological strength in the field of seawater desalination. The project adopts modular design and intelligent management system, laying a technical foundation for the rapid replication of similar projects in the future. In addition, the project pays special attention to ecological environment protection and adopts advanced concentrated saltwater treatment technology to minimize the impact on the ecology of the Mediterranean coast.

Opportunities for Chinese Enterprises: New Blue Ocean in North African Water Market

The launch of this major project provides important business opportunities for experienced Chinese environmental protection enterprises. In terms of core equipment such as reverse osmosis membrane components, high-pressure pumps, and energy recovery devices, Chinese enterprises have the strength to compete with international brands on the same stage. It is reported that several Chinese water companies are in talks with project parties to explore the possibility of cooperation in equipment supply and technical services.

Industry experts point out that successfully participating in this project will have a significant demonstration effect, opening up a breakthrough for China's environmental protection technology to enter the entire North African market. With multiple desalination projects being launched in Algeria's planning, and neighboring countries such as Tunisia and Morocco facing similar water resource challenges, the North African region is forming a sizable water market. Keywords: foreign construction news, international news

This major infrastructure project with a total investment of hundreds of millions of dollars not only carries the dream of drinking water safety in the western region of Algeria, but also becomes a new platform for showcasing and cooperating with international advanced water technology. As the project progresses, this once thirsty land is ushering in a new era of sustainable use of water resources. Editor/Yang Beihua