Discharges from Morocco: Algeria considers taking the matter to international bodies
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on TSA
A delegation of five ministers led by Interior Minister Brahim Merad inspected the Mouillah wadi and the Hammam Boughrara dam in Tlemcen, affected by sewage and industrial discharges from the Moroccan region of Oujda. Analyses revealed alarming indicators, and Algiers is considering taking the matter to international bodies, according to TSA.
State Minister and Interior Minister Brahim Merad led a delegation of five government members to Tlemcen on Tuesday 10 November, sent on the instruction of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. He inspected the areas affected by polluted water from Morocco, notably the Mouillah wadi and the Hammam Boughrara dam, according to TSA.
He was accompanied by Environment Minister Kaouter Krikou, Water Resources Minister Lounès Bouzegza, Health Minister Mohamed Seddik Aït Messaoudène and Communication Minister Mohamed Bouslimani. According to Mr Merad, analyses show high chemical and biological indicators, pharmaceutical substances and heavy metals, with concentrations of up to a hundred times the standards. He sees in this proof of "human intervention" behind the pollution, saying that "those responsible are known". The untreated sewage and industrial discharges are said to come from the Moroccan region of Oujda via cross-border watercourses.
In September and October 2024, more than 45 tonnes of dead fish were reported at the Hammam Boughrara dam. The pollution also jeopardises the irrigation of thousands of hectares around Maghnia, and farming representatives spoke of threatened crops.
The visit follows the accusations made the same day, when Merad accused Morocco of toxic discharges into the Mouillah wadi.
