Oran Accelerates Development Projects: Grain Storage, Housing, and Urban Planning
Image: El Mawkie
Takeaway
The Oran development projects signal a sustained commitment to infrastructure investment, creating opportunities for construction firms like Cosider and ETRHB Haddad. Investors should monitor the progress of the grain storage silo, as its completion could impact Algeria's wheat import strategy and potentially benefit companies like SIM Spa, which specialize in grain handling equipment.
The Governor of Oran, Ibrahim Ouchen, conducted a field visit on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, to inspect several development and strategic projects across the wilaya. These projects include the development of an activities zone in Bir El Djir spanning over 13 hectares, the construction of a grain storage silo with a capacity of one million quintals in Wadi Tlilat, the inspection of 80 and 120 units of subsidized housing (LPA2) in the Ahmed Zabana urban pole in Misserghin, and urban development projects in the Castor district and the "Bahia" roundabout. The Urban Planning and Real Estate Management Agency is overseeing the housing and urban development projects.
Oran has been the focus of significant development efforts in recent years. In 2024, the national housing program allocated over 40,000 new housing units to the Oran province, aiming to reduce the housing deficit and improve living conditions for residents. In 2025, the Oran municipality launched a major urban renewal project in the historic city center, investing DZD 5.4 billion (~$40 million) in infrastructure upgrades and the restoration of historical buildings. These initiatives followed the completion of the Oran tramway in 2013, a DZD 35 billion (~$259 million) project that significantly improved public transportation in the city.
The grain storage silo in Wadi Tlilat is designed to hold one million quintals (100,000 tonnes) of grain, enhancing Algeria's food security. Algeria's total grain storage capacity was estimated at 6 million tonnes in 2025. Comparatively, Canada, a major wheat exporter, has a grain storage capacity exceeding 100 million tonnes. The 80 and 120 subsidized housing units in Misserghin are part of the LPA2 program, which provides financial assistance to eligible citizens to purchase new homes.
The construction sector stands to benefit from these projects, with increased demand for building materials, equipment, and labor. Companies involved in logistics and transportation will also see increased activity due to the movement of materials and goods to and from the construction sites. The local population will benefit from improved housing, urban infrastructure, and increased food security. The completion of the grain storage silo will reduce Algeria's reliance on grain imports, benefiting local farmers and reducing the country's trade deficit.
The completion of the grain storage silo is expected by the end of 2027, pending the resolution of logistical bottlenecks and supply chain disruptions. The allocation of the remaining housing units in the Ahmed Zabana urban pole is scheduled for Q1 2027. The progress of the urban development projects in the Castor district and the "Bahia" roundabout will be reviewed in Q4 2026, with potential adjustments to the project scope and timeline based on citizen feedback and budgetary constraints.