The Algerian government is driving an initiative to build 5 skyscrapers at 5 separate locations at a cost of about USD 2 billion.

The Algerian General Association for Entrepreneurs is preparing a feasibility study to be presented to prime minister Mr Abdelmalek Sellal appointed earlier this month in the course of a cabinet reshuffle by president Mr Abdelaziz Bouteflika in the Q1 of 2013.

Mr Mouloud Kheloufi president of AGAE said that "We have selected five locations for the project: Algiers, Oran, Annaba, Constantine and Ouargla. The structures will have between 30 and 100 floors and up to 1,000 apartments and housing units in each."

According to Emporis, a global provider of building information, the proposed buildings will mark a big leap over existing structures. The Sheraton Oran Hotel and Towers in Oran, at 77 meters and 19 stories is the tallest building in Algeria. The new initiative also marks the first time that Algeria has considered skyscrapers for residential complexes.

According to data from the ministry of housing and urbanization, Algeria needs 225,000 housing units per year to meet demand. The government creates 75,000 units annually leaving a shortage of 150,000.

Mr Faris Msdor professor of economic sciences at the University of Algiers said that "Building higher to meet the housing demand will have collateral economic benefits by encouraging foreign investment and encouraging tourism. It will also position Algiers as one of the great capital cities of the world."

Source - Zawya

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