Lovat TBMs Finish Tizi Ouzou-Algiers Water Transfer SchemeCMC has announced the breakthroughs, ahead of schedule, of the Thenia and Narcira tunnels on the Tizi Ouzou-Algiers water transfer project in Algeria. As part of the multi tunnel water transfer project totalling 11 km, the Thenia and Narcira tunnels join the Tizi Ouzou and Draâ-Ben-Khedda tunnels as being completed to date. CMC launched the first of two new Lovat RMP146SE rock TBMs (series 22000) to begin the 2,667 m drive for the Naciria tunnel on 5th September, 2006. By breakthrough, 'Isabella' (as the TBM was named) had erected 2,197 rings, achieving monthly production rates of up to 490 rings. Tunnel excavation was completed on 5th February, 2007. The second TBM (series 22100) was launched on 18th June, 2006 to start boring the Thenia tunnel. By breakthrough, 'Susanna' had driven 3,298 metres and erected 2,745 rings, with monthly production rates as high as 515 rings. Tunnel excavation was also completed on 5th February, 2007. Click here, here & dz/13. Visit www.lovat.com, www.cmcra.com, www.mre.gov.dz and www.anb-dz.com 11/07.