The East-West Highway in Algeria, co-constructed by Chinese enterprises, stretches 1,216 kilometers and is the highest-grade and most geologically complex road project in the North African country.
In August last year, with the completion of the final 84 kilometers of the eastern section, the highway fully opened to traffic, connecting 17 provinces in northern Algeria.
This significant infrastructure project exemplifies fruitful cooperation between Algeria and China within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The East-West Highway is the highest-grade and most geologically complex road project in Algeria. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
At the construction site of the Bejaia Connection Line on the East-West Highway, workers from Algeria and China together tie up the steel cage of the bridge pile foundation. [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
The East-West Highway in Algeria [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
Skikda Oil and Gas Port Expansion Project: Enhancing transport capacity
Skikda Port, one of Algeria's largest oil and gas ports, has a significant upgrade as a result of work undertaken by China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. (CHEC), a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company Limited.
Officially started in 2019, the Skikda Oil and Gas Port Expansion project aims to enhance the port's infrastructure and expand local oil and gas transportation capacity. The construction of the port's breakwater has been completed, the LNG berth has passed tests and other construction work is nearing completion.
The project has created over 1,000 jobs locally, and enabled the professional training of hundreds of technicians and 50 local management personnel. As the largest comprehensive port project in eastern Algeria over the past 30 years, the project has also produced skilled professionals in hydraulic and chemical project management.
Sami Kouachi, the project manager, praised the cooperation between Algerian and Chinese teams, highlighting the project's efficiency and the fruitful results of BRI cooperation. Tang Fengli, general manager of the project, said CHEC will strive to advance the project smoothly and seek more cooperation opportunities to strengthen China-Algeria relations.
Constantine Grain Silo Project: Ensuring food security
The Constantine Grain Silo project, a key component of the 350,000-ton concrete grain silo construction initiative in Algeria, was undertaken by the Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA).
The project, which is crucial for Algeria’s food security and many people's livelihoods, represents the first batch of large grain silo construction projects launched in the country in over 40 years. Distributed across nine major grain-producing areas, the silos, which adopted Chinese design standards, construction techniques and manufacturing equipment, are now operational.
Zheng Zhiguo, project manager of POWERCHINA in Constantine, said the project created more than 2,000 local jobs and facilitated the training of hundreds of professional technicians in grain silo construction and operation.
Bejaia Connection Project: Unblocking the northern economic zone
The Bejaia Connection Line, a crucial branch of the East-West Highway, is being constructed by China Railway Construction International Group (CRCC International), a subsidiary of China Railway Construction Corporation Limited. This 100-kilometer line, which starts at Bejaia Port and connects to the East-West Highway, passes through five cities, with 84 kilometers already completed and open to traffic.
"Bejaia is one of the most important economic provinces in Algeria, and building a high-grade highway will lay a solid foundation for its future economic development," said You Dingjian, deputy general manager and chief engineer of CRCC International.
“The original design of the Bejaia Connection Line was to pass through the mountains, but the enterprise discovered an ancient Roman town site during construction. Consequently, on the suggestion of the Chinese partner, the route was adjusted”, said Wang Jinglian, head of CRCC International's North Africa regional company.
The Sidi Aich Tunnel, a key component of the Bejaia Connection Line, applied innovative construction techniques to address complex geological conditions. In July last year, the tunnel was opened to traffic.
Algerian Minister of Public Works, Hydraulics and Basic Infrastructure Lakhdar Rakhroukh said the opening of the Sidi Aich Tunnel has significantly alleviated the long-standing traffic congestion problem for Bejaia residents and benefited neighboring provinces. The tunnel has been designated by the Algerian government as an engineering technology training base, where teachers and students from several engineering schools can benefit from Chinese experience and technology on-site.
The East-West Highway and other significant projects illustrate the successful cooperation between China and Algeria under the BRI. These projects have created numerous job opportunities, and contributed to local economic growth, providing solid support for people's well-being while showcasing the tangible benefits of BRI cooperation.
(Executive editor: Zhu Zeya)
