Oued Mouilah pollution: Algiers considers measures against discharges from Morocco
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Algérie Eco
A ministerial delegation led by Interior Minister Brahim Merad visited Tlemcen, on the instruction of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, to see the pollution of the Mouilah, El Mehaguene and Abbes wadis near Maghnia. Analyses point to chemical and microbiological pollution, with nitrites above thresholds, which also affects the Hammam Boughrara dam, according to Algérie Eco.
A ministerial delegation led by Brahim Merad, Minister of State and Minister of the Interior and Local Authorities, visited Tlemcen province on Tuesday 10 November, according to Algérie Eco. It saw the pollution of the Mouilah, El Mehaguene and Abbes wadis, in the Maghnia region, which the Algerian authorities attribute to discharges from Morocco. The visit took place on the instruction of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, after several warnings about the deterioration of water quality and fish deaths. The ministers for Water Resources, the Environment, Health and Communication were part of the trip.
According to the results presented on site by local officials and experts, analyses point to chemical and microbiological pollution. Samples show nitrites above reference thresholds, falling oxygen levels, as well as residues of pharmaceutical and hormonal products and heavy metals. The Hammam Boughrara dam is also affected.
Experts warn that the pollution could reach groundwater, soils and farmland, and that clean-up would then take a long time. They say that the water supplied for consumption is treated and complies with health standards. Parliamentarians from the province asked for the matter to be brought before the competent bodies and courts. Merad said the phenomenon "is not accidental" and amounts to "a systematic aggression".
This visit follows statements made the same day, when Merad accused Morocco of toxic discharges. Algiers is considering referring the matter to international bodies on this issue.
