Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune appointed Lounes Bouzegza as Minister of Water Resources on April 16, replacing Taha Derbal, who was dismissed a day earlier, according to an official presidential statement. The reshuffle comes as Algeria faces mounting pressure to secure water supply ahead of the summer season.
Before his appointment, Bouzegza served as governor of Naâma, a post temporarily assumed by provincial secretary general Messaoud Boularès. He previously held the position of governor in Souk Ahras and was appointed to lead Naâma in February 2023. During his tenure, he focused on attracting investment to the western province, notably securing a major industrial project led by Général Emballage, Algeria’s leading corrugated cardboard producer.
The project, valued at 40 billion dinars (around $300 million), involves the construction of a paper mill aimed at producing raw materials for cardboard manufacturing through recycling. Construction began in April 2025. In parallel, Bouzegza highlighted the agricultural potential of Naâma, citing the development of an 80,000-hectare area and emphasizing the region’s water resources as a key factor for investment. In statements to local media, he said studies confirmed the province’s readiness for a new phase of development focused on agriculture, livestock, and processing industries.
His appointment to the Ministry of Water Resources places him at the center of one of Algeria’s most pressing challenges. The country has increasingly relied on large-scale seawater desalination projects to compensate for limited conventional water resources. The transition comes shortly after a disruption at the El Tarf desalination plant, which affected drinking water supply in Annaba and contributed to the dismissal of his predecessor, according to official accounts.
Looking ahead, Bouzegza is expected to prioritize the stability of water distribution networks during the high-demand summer period while ensuring sufficient supply for both households and key economic sectors. His leadership will be closely watched as Algeria continues to expand its desalination capacity and manage growing water demand under structural constraints.
Sami B. is the founder and editor of Algeria News Gate, an independent English-language platform covering Algeria’s political, economic, and business developments. Based in Europe, he reports on official announcements, economic trends, and international relations involving Algeria.