On an inspection visit in Bejaia Wednesday, the Algerian Minister of territory, tourism and craftsmanship, Nouri Abdelwaheb announced that an investigation commission would be quickly set up to review tourism lands in the Kabyle wilaya and assess how State properties are attributed to private investors

“Putting some order in the management of lands should solely profit investors that may add value to the wilaya and local economy. The sector is plagued with opportunists and so-called investors who benefited from land attribution but never respected their commitments or deadlines given,” the Minister declared.

Government now rings the alarm because land in Algeria is becoming scarce. “There are 14 tourism extension areas (ZET in French) in Bejaia, covering 1,254 hectares. Do you realize how much capital this represents and its impact on the economy? It’d be significant, only if management would be rational and strict,” the Minister complained.

Over nearly 76 registered private projects, only 39 are being effectively implemented and should upon completion help double the wilaya’s hospitality capacity.

Souha Touré