Minister of Interior Ibrahim Merad visited Tlemcen on 10 November 2026 to inspect the severe pollution affecting Wadi Muelah. This environmental crisis has resulted in the death of thousands of fish and caused significant degradation of the local ecosystem. The inspection was prompted by the urgent need to address the ecological collapse currently unfolding within the waterway.
During his visit, Minister Ibrahim Merad stated, "The situation in the region is very worrying, as confirmed by local authorities and citizens." He further noted that the intervention aims to mitigate damage to the water source for the surrounding area. Regarding the purpose of the inspection, Minister Ibrahim Merad said, "The goal of the visit is to take the necessary measures to address the pollution problem of the Wadi Muelah stream, the main supplier of the Hammam Boughrara Dam." The minister emphasized that the state of the stream requires a coordinated and immediate response from the government to prevent further ecological loss.
Scope of Ministerial Investigation
Accompanying Minister of Interior Ibrahim Merad on the site visit were the Minister of Environment and Quality of Life, the Minister of Irrigation, the Minister of Health, and the Minister of Communication. These cabinet members arrived in Tlemcen on 10 November 2026 to assess the environmental damage and coordinate a cross-departmental response to the contamination. The presence of multiple ministers shows the severity of the situation and the complexity of the environmental challenges facing the Tlemcen region.
Investigation into the source of the ecological collapse indicates that the discharge of untreated domestic, urban, and industrial wastewater acts as the primary driver of the pollution. Agricultural runoff, which contains high concentrations of fertilizers and pesticides, further contributes to the degradation of the waterway. Local officials and the ministerial delegation identified these specific effluent streams as the main factors compromising the water quality of the area. The delegation spent the day evaluating the physical state of the stream and collecting information regarding the specific discharge points that have compromised the local environment.
Wadi Muelah serves as the main water source for the Hammam Boughrara Dam. Protecting this supply remains a priority for the ministerial delegation, given the dam's role in providing water to the surrounding region. The contamination of the stream threatens the integrity of the reservoir, necessitating the immediate intervention of the ministries represented in the delegation. As part of the assessment, the Minister of Irrigation and the Minister of Environment and Quality of Life examined the flow dynamics of the stream to understand how the pollutants are traveling toward the dam. Meanwhile, the Minister of Health and the Minister of Communication assessed the potential public health implications of the polluted water and coordinated the dissemination of information to the affected local population. The delegation remains focused on identifying sustainable solutions to restore the health of Wadi Muelah and secure the water quality for the Hammam Boughrara Dam.
