Algerian government decides to continue rehousing operation in capital

Urgent measures have been taken Thursday at the end of the Government-Algiers local authorities meeting, said Minister of State, Minister of Interior and Local Authorities Tayeb Belaiz.
"UIrgent measures have been taken during the meeting, which was chaired by Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal, after a rich debate between the Government and the local authorities as well as the elected representatives of the Province of Algiers," Belaiz told a press briefing.
"These measures, which will take effect from Sunday, will be followed by complementary measures in the near future," he said.
The participants in the meeting, the first of its kind, recommended to "continue the rehousing operation for families living in flimsy dwellings and to allocate all the finished housing units in Algiers by 31 December 2014," he added.
It has been also decided to create a public company in charge of "implementing the plan for the face-lifting of the capital," said Belaiz.
A working group will be set up in each of the thirteen communes of the capital," explained the Interior minister.
Wali of Algiers Abdelkader Zoukh has been also tasked with setting up a working group in charge of finding a solution for the reopening of the closed shops on the main avenues of the capital, he added.
The creation of companies or bodies in charge of restoration of old buildings and the upkeep of cemeteries in the province of Algiers are also among the urgent measures taken during this meeting, said Belaiz.
Similar meetings will be held in all the provinces of the country in accordance with the programme of President of the Republic Abdelaziz Bouteflika and the Government's Action Plan, "which are based on dialogue and consultations with citizens when addressing their concerns," explained the Interior minister.