Algeria is embarking on ambitious housing and infrastructure projects and entire cities are rising from the ground and completely transforming the urban space.

170 kilometres south of Algiers the new city of Boughezoul is under construction and it is planned to accommodate some 400 inhabitants.

This futuristic 20,000-hectare urban development project, divided between housing, business districts, and agricultural areas, was launched in a strategic region at the crossroads of the North-South and East-West axes.

“We have built a modern city to attract the population and create a balance between the coast, the High Plains and the south. These are pilot new cities. We hope to extend this experience later to other cities.” Explains Mourad Ghouati, the General Manager of, the Public Establishment Of The New City Of Boughezoul.

The future city will house the Algerian space agency, a new railway station, and a new international airport. The basic infrastructure is complete and 28 28-kilometre network of tunnels for electricity, fibre optics, drinking water, and irrigation networks for green spaces.

…We are builders, in all fields relating to architecture, peace, humanity…

Mohamed Tarek Belaribi, Algerian Minister of Housing, Urbanism and the City

“The technical gallery is sustainable work. Because the new city of Boughezoul has a sustainable character.” Says Abdelghani Zerrouki, Technical Manager of, the Public Establishment Of The New City Of Boughezoul. “So if we have to change a pipe, or some electric cable, it is very easy, efficient, and doesn’t make a noise.”

Boughezoul is one of five new cities being constructed in Algeria. Sidi Abdallah, in Algiers, is another, as Abdelhak Sedaoui, General Manager of, the Sidi Abdallah New City Development Committee explains. “Our project for the new city of Sidi Abdallah is to create an attractive city, a city with sustainable development indicators and we want to ensure comfort for our inhabitants. It is a smart, resilient, and connected city.”

One of Algeria’s priorities has been to eradicate slums and derelict housing. In the Saharan regions, new housing estates are being built to promote inter-regional balance. To relieve congestion in large cities, low-cost housing and interest-free loans are offered by the State in satellite neighbourhoods.

Source: Africa Housing News