DESERTO INDUSTRIAL NA ENTRADA DA CIDADE DE KENADSA: PATRIMÔNIO INDUSTRIAL DIFÍCIL DE ASSUMIR

Abstract

Kenadsa, the first industrial city in the south of Algeria during the colonial era, experienced intensive production of the coal deposit. After the independence of Algeria, in 1962, the mining activity, which had ceased to operate by a governmental decision, left behind it a huge industrial emblem. This one is today classified as a cultural and historical heritage in Bechar province. However, land and buildings left vacant by industry are located in the middle of the city of Kenadsa, where a relatively high population density is centred. This configuration suggests that both the town and its inhabitants are confronted to a serious risk of soil and air pollution. The brownfield of Kenadsa, which is situated in the entry of the town, embodies the identity as well as the history of the city. In the hope of reducing the abandoned industrial spaces, this paper proposes forms of land use planning that pave the way for the evolution of the town in question. Therefore, a historical approach that places the phenomenon in its space and time framework is adopted. This approach is followed by an impact study that is accompanied by a survey of some notabilities. Finally, this paper suggests ways to preserve cautiously the traces of an industrial past that, at the same time, poses constraints to urban planning and harms the urban landscape and the environment. Keywords: Brownfield, Kenadsa, coal, cultural heritage.