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Hassi Messaoud New Town

Algeria

1970 - 1970
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Project Description

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The Hassi Messaoud New Town project is a large-scale urban development initiative located about 600 km south of Algiers, Algeria . This ambitious project aims to create a new city to support the oil and gas industry in the region, while addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization and industrial growth .

Proposed in 2006 by the state-owned conglomerate Sonatrach, the project envisions a “company town tied to resource extraction” with plans for housing, community facilities, and educational and administrative campuses to support the extraction industry . The project’s objectives align with Algeria’s broader strategy to develop its oil-rich regions and manage urban growth in sensitive industrial areas and balanced sustainable urbanization .

To implement these objectives, the Hassi Messaoud New Town project master plan covers an extensive area of 8.5 Square kilometer , with plans to house up to 80,000 people . The project includes the following components:

• A comprehensive road network totaling 170 km in length, connecting the city and its industrial zones .
• Extensive earthmoving operations for the construction of roads and residential blocks .
• Infrastructure development, including water collection from deep boreholes for human consumption, water treatment, reservation, and distribution systems .
• Wastewater collection and treatment facilities .
• Solid waste management systems .
• Drinking water supply systems extending 31 km .
• Water distribution networks spanning 245 km .
• Drainage networks covering 190 km .
In terms of sustainability, the Hassi Messaoud New Town project integrates traditional and modern environmentally-friendly practices. The project focuses on sustainable water management through efficient water collection and treatment systems, given that groundwater is the only source of water in the region. It also incorporates renewable energy installations to reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources, although specific details on these installations are limited . The project applies both traditional and non-traditional methods to manage resources sustainably, particularly in the management of water resources and waste . Additionally, the project will feature energy-saving installations and advanced water resource management systems aimed at promoting environmental conservation and ensuring a sustainable urban environment .

The Hassi Messaoud New Town project involves multiple stakeholders, including the Algerian government, the Energy and Mining Ministry, and Sonatrach .

The implementation process has been complex and has evolved over time. Initially tendered in 2008, the project saw bids from international consultants, including firms from China, Canada, the US, Lebanon, France, Tunisia, and South Korea as China’s Shanghai Xian Dai Architectural Design; Canada’s SNC Lavalin with the US’ Louis Berger and Lebanon’s Dar al-Handasah (Shair & Partners); France’s Iosis with Tunisia’s Studi International; and a consortium of four South Korean firms, Korea Land Corporation, Saman Corporation, Samoo Architects and Korea Telecom, with France’s Sogreah . In 2011, the Energy and Mining Ministry re-tendered the design contract for the urban development studies and masterplan of the new town . The project’s implementation has faced challenges, including the need to balance urban development with industrial safety concerns . As of recent reports, while Sonatrach has constructed some buildings in the area and continues to operate in the region, the focus of development has shifted towards the nearby city of Ouargla . The vision for Hassi Messaoud New Town remains to create a sustainable urban center that supports Algeria’s crucial oil and gas industry while providing a high quality of life for its residents .

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