Minister Abdelkader Jallawi conducted an extensive two-day inspection tour on Wednesday and Thursday to assess progress on the Eastern Mining Line project. The full tour, spanning over two consecutive days, covered the provinces of Annaba, El Tarf, Guelma, and Souk Ahras. Jallawi's objective was to review the project's development and evaluate its associated strategic initiatives across these four provinces, emphasizing the significant economic and infrastructural impact of the Eastern Mining Line. This critical infrastructure undertaking is designed to enhance the region's industrial capabilities and facilitate the transport of vital resources.
Annaba Port and Phosphate Project
In Annaba, Minister Abdelkader Jallawi commenced his inspection by visiting the ongoing expansion of the Annaba phosphate port, a key component of the integrated phosphate project. The development work at the port is extensive and multifaceted, encompassing several key activities. These include the construction of the vital mining quay, essential for loading and unloading operations, alongside significant pile driving activities to reinforce the port's foundations. The project involves the extension of the breakwater, a critical measure for protecting the port infrastructure from maritime elements and ensuring operational continuity.
A major phase of the Annaba port expansion is a substantial landfilling operation, which is scheduled to commence on June 15th. This operation will cover an expansive area of 52 hectares, significantly increasing the port's usable land for logistics and storage. Following these foundational works, further development at the Annaba port will include superstructure construction, which is planned to begin in October. This next stage will involve the erection of buildings and facilities necessary for the port's full operational capacity.
During his visit to Annaba, Minister Jallawi also inspected progress on the Hajar station connection and its associated retaining walls. This specific work forms an integral part of the northern section of the Eastern Mining Line, which is designed to connect the city of Annaba with Bouchagouf. The segment under review during the Minister's inspection spans a considerable distance of 54 kilometers, noting the scale of the infrastructure development in this area. The Hajar station connection is vital for ensuring smooth rail transport along this critical corridor.
El Tarf and Guelma Infrastructure
Continuing his inspection tour, Minister Abdelkader Jallawi arrived in El Tarf, where he was formally received by Governor Mohamed Meziane. The Minister's agenda in El Tarf focused on key infrastructure developments. He inspected the construction of Tunnel No. 3 in Cheihani municipality, a significant engineering feat located at kilometer point 30. This tunnel is a key part of the broader project designed to bypass Dzeria, improving traffic flow and reducing transit times. During this inspection, Minister Jallawi issued explicit instructions to reinforce workshops and allocate additional material resources. This directive was aimed at increasing productivity on the project while simultaneously ensuring rigorous adherence to established safety standards, showing the importance of both efficiency and worker welfare.
The Minister also inspected the construction of the Cheihani train station in El Tarf. This new station is a vital component of the Eastern Mining Line section that connects Bouchagouf and Annaba, providing essential rail access for both passengers and freight. Additionally, he reviewed excavation points and various intersections situated at kilometer point 36 within El Tarf province, assessing the progress of groundwork and connectivity infrastructure. These inspections provided a full overview of the line's development within El Tarf, ensuring all components are progressing according to schedule and quality benchmarks.
Continuing his extensive tour, Minister Jallawi then moved to Guelma, where he was received by Governor Samir Shibani. In Guelma, his inspection focused on road infrastructure, specifically the ongoing construction of the dual carriageway for National Road No. 16. This significant road project spans a distance of 42 kilometers and is expected to greatly improve regional connectivity and transport efficiency. He also reviewed detailed technical presentations concerning the dual carriageway of National Road No. 20, another critical infrastructure project extending 40.5 kilometers. These road projects are complementary to the Eastern Mining Line, creating an integrated transport network.
Further inspections in Guelma included a close examination of excavation points and intersections at kilometer point 42, ensuring the groundwork for future developments was strong. Minister Jallawi then proceeded to the passenger station in Boudroua, located at kilometer point 50, where he issued firm instructions that quality standards must be rigorously adhered to during its construction. This emphasis on quality ensures the longevity and safety of the new facilities. His inspection in Guelma concluded with a visit to the passenger station in Bouchagouf, situated at kilometer point 54, providing a complete overview of the rail infrastructure progress in the province.
Souk Ahras Bridge and Tunnel Work
In Souk Ahras, Minister Abdelkader Jallawi was received by the governor and other distinguished civil and military authorities, reflecting the strategic importance of the projects in this province. His inspection in Souk Ahras covered extensive earthworks and technical structures along a 72-kilometer section. This particular section forms a key part of the broader 121-kilometer Derriah – Bouchagouf axis, a key artery for the Eastern Mining Line.
Minister Jallawi rigorously inspected the construction of bridges V1 and V2 in the Ain Essnour section. This inspection followed a detailed examination of earthworks and leveling activities that were undertaken after the completion of bridges 1, 2, and 3 in the same section. Recognizing the complexity and importance of these structures, he ordered efforts to be doubled on these works, stressing the need to accelerate progress without compromising quality.
During his full inspection, Minister Jallawi observed the first workshop dedicated to installing pre-stressed concrete beams. This workshop utilizes advanced machinery, showcasing the modern engineering techniques employed in the project. He also meticulously inspected the installation of steel beams and the casting of concrete slabs, which are being carried out using specialized metal molds, ensuring precision and structural integrity.
The Minister proceeded to inspect Tunnels No. 2, located at kilometer point 75, and Tunnel No. 3, both situated within the critical Ain Essnour – Bouchagouf section. These tunnels are vital for navigating challenging terrain and maintaining the railway's alignment. He then inspected Bridge No. 09, a particularly impressive structure spanning 450 meters. One of its highest columns exceeds 80 meters in height, a testament to the engineering challenge, and required over 3,000 cubic meters of reinforced concrete for just one of its foundations, noting the scale and strong construction methods employed.
Minister Jallawi recommended reinforcing execution means and strict adherence to quality and safety standards across all ongoing projects in Souk Ahras. This directive shows his commitment to ensuring that the infrastructure is not only completed efficiently but also built to last. He further inspected Bridge No. 15 in the Ain Essnour – Bouchagouf section, emphasizing the critical need to mobilize all available resources for its timely completion. His inspection concluded with a review of Bridge No. 16, where he received detailed explanations regarding its current progress and the technical difficulties encountered during its construction, allowing for informed decision-making on potential solutions.
Accelerating Completion and Quality
Minister Abdelkader Jallawi continued his detailed assessment by inspecting Bridge No. 17, with the specific aim to monitor and maintain the current pace of execution, ensuring no delays occur. He also inspected Tunnel No. 04, a significant underground passage supervised by 'Cosider Public Works'. During this inspection, he specifically noted the workshop's progress and the adequacy of its resources, recognizing the highly technical nature of this particular project component. Jallawi's tour then extended to night works on Bridge No. 29, which is strategically located in the 72-kilometer section connecting Ain Essnour and Bouchagouf. Observing the nocturnal operations, he stressed the imperative need to continue work in shifts and to mobilize all available human, material, and technical resources to accelerate completion, acknowledging the tight deadlines and ambitious scope.
In Souk Ahras, Minister Jallawi also inspected Bridge No. 19, a substantial structure spanning 249 meters. His full review continued with inspections of Bridges No. 20 and No. 21, ensuring consistent progress across multiple sites. He further inspected Bridge No. 22, a key part of the Eastern Mining Line connecting Annaba and Blad El Hedba. For Bridge No. 22, civil engineering work and column installation have been successfully completed, and the installation of iron beams has already commenced, indicating significant progress. The Minister also inspected Bridges No. 24 and No. 25, completing a thorough review of the numerous bridge structures in the area. Throughout these inspections, Jallawi repeatedly emphasized the necessity of doubling efforts and accelerating execution to ensure the timely completion of all 29 bridges within the critical Ain Essnour – Bouchagouf section, noting the coordinated effort required for such a large-scale infrastructure project.
