Executive Decree establishing two sub-directorates for national water resource reserves

The Algerian government has issued Executive Decree No. 26-292, dated 21 Rabi’ al-Awwal 1448, corresponding to September 3, 2026, which completes the organization of the central administration of the Ministry of Hydraulics by establishing two new sub-directorates for national water resource reserves. The decree was published in the Official Gazette of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Issue 65, dated September 9, 2026, and was signed by Prime Minister Seifi Gharib.

Legal and Structural Framework

This decree supplements the provisions of Article 2 of Executive Decree No. 23-209, dated 12 Dhu al-Qi’dah 1444, corresponding to June 1, 2023, concerning the organization of the central administration of the Ministry of Hydraulics. Accordingly, the two new sub-directorates are added to the General Directorate of Hydraulics and Public Water Service, which now comprises seven (7) directorates.

The decree is based on a set of reference texts, including Executive Decree No. 23-208, which defines the powers of the Minister of Hydraulics, and Executive Decree No. 90-188, which defines the structures and apparatus of the central administration in ministries, in addition to Presidential Decrees No. 25-240 and 25-241 regarding the appointment of the Prime Minister and government members, and the Constitution, particularly Articles 112-5 and 141.

Sub-Directorate for the Formation of National Reserves

The Sub-Directorate for the Formation of National Water Resource Reserves is specifically tasked with the following:

• Ensuring the formation of national water resource reserves.
• Establishing the basic infrastructure, facilities, and equipment necessary for storage and ensuring their supply, in coordination with the concerned parties.
• Preparing and updating a code of materials, facilities, and equipment related to storage, in consultation with the concerned parties.
• Contributing to the preparation and implementation of the national strategy in the field of national water resource reserves.
• Preparing national and regional plans for the mobilization, production, transport, treatment, allocation, and distribution of water resources.
• Developing a map of national water resource reserves and ensuring its periodic update.

Sub-Directorate for the Monitoring of National Reserves

As for the Sub-Directorate for the Monitoring of National Reserves of Water Resources, it is specifically tasked with the following:

• Monitoring the management of national reserves of water resources.
• Ensuring the renewal and preservation of stocks, materials, installations, and equipment, in coordination with the concerned parties.
• Monitoring and analyzing data from the National Monitoring and Warning System for Water Resources.
• Ensuring the updating of the database for reserves and stocks.
• Implementing the national strategy in the field of national reserves of water resources.
• Ensuring the formation of national reserves of water resources and the storage of materials and equipment necessary for their utilization.

Importance of the Reform

This decree represents a structural step in the management of water resources in Algeria, as it establishes for the first time an administrative body specialized in the formation and monitoring of national water reserves, while setting up a national monitoring and warning system. This division is expected to contribute to enhancing coordination between the concerned sectors and bodies, and improving the country’s readiness to face challenges related to water scarcity and climate change, by ensuring more effective storage and distribution of water resources at both the national and regional levels.

Source: Official Gazette of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, Issue 65, September 9, 2026, pp. 6-7 (Official Reference: Executive Decree No. 292-26).