READINESS?

HOW READY ARE ALGERIA’S COMPUTER SYSTEMS?
Few days separate us from the year 2000 and very little information is available on Algeria’s readiness and Y2K compliance. International experts who have made some assessment on Y2K readiness in all the countries of the world are not sure about Algeria. It is part of a group of 20 countries or so that do not have enough information about their Y2K program. . continue here

STEG AND TUNIS AIR Y2K COMPLIANT
Responding to a written request by Reuters, Tunisia 's power generation and electricity and gas distributor Societe Tunisienne de l'Electricite et du Gaz (STEG) said on Monday it was prepared for the Y2K computer bug. "The system of gas distribution to customers is through equipment not concerned by the bug. The only risks are related to external sources of supply," STEG said. "All the firm's electricity production will be on standby for the passing of the year 2000, meaning that 2,175 MW will be made available for an usual demand of 1,000 MW around midnight. Maximal reserves of fuel and gasoil will made available at the company's power generation plants.continue here

MAGHREB-EURO PIPELINE READY FOR Y2K
The Maghreb-Europe pipeline, which supplies Spain and Portugal with Algerian gas, is Y2K compliant, a senior manager at Spain's Metragaz told Reuters last week. continue here

NORTH AFRICA/HOUSING

Populations Threatened by Mudslides and Substandard Housing
Resident of Fez mourned the death of 27 people who perished during the collapse of their building. Other media sources put the death toll to at least 47 people, a number we could verify. The 5 story building located in Hey Hassani in the Ben Debbab neighborhood collapsed on December 8th . The owner of the building arrested awaiting the results of the investigation.
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NO RAMADAN CELEBRATION FOR ALGERIA
KILLINGS AND ABDUCTIONS HIGHLIGHT BOUTEFLIKA'S CHALLENGES
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EU-MOROCCO
MOROCCO DISSATISFIED WITH EU HELP
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Tourism in Marrakech
A SEASON BELOW EXPECTATIONS
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