Algeria inspects Moroccan toxic water pollution
Ministers visited Tlemcen to assess environmental damage from untreated industrial and wastewater discharges.
Algerian ministers inspected polluted water sites in Tlemcen on Tuesday, November 10, following instructions from President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. The delegation, including ministers of Environment, Hydraulics, Health, and Communication, examined the Mouillah wadi and Hammam Boughrara dam, areas affected by untreated industrial and wastewater from Morocco.
Minister of Interior Brahim Merad stated that analyses revealed alarmingly high chemical and biological indicators, pharmaceutical substances, and heavy metals, with some concentrations reaching 100 times authorized norms. He suggested human intervention was behind the pollution, which has already caused over 45 tonnes of dead fish in September and October 2024 and threatens irrigation for thousands of hectares.
Agricultural representatives reported crops at risk and farmers unable to use wadi water, impacting the region's agricultural activity. Algeria considers the pollution a national security issue and is working to ensure safe water distribution while seeking accountability for the environmental damage.
Why it mattersAlgerian farmers face threats to their crops and livelihoods due to polluted water from Morocco, impacting agricultural activity.