The issue of irregular urban planning and housing in Tunisia has become a pressing concern, with approximately 1.2 million people living in unauthorized or popular neighborhoods. According to Saber Jlassi, head of the Strategic Planning Committee at the Assembly of People's Representatives, four proposed laws aim to address different forms of urban irregularities. These laws are awaiting examination in plenary sessions. The regularization of unauthorized housing has become a key topic of debate.
The proposed laws tackle various situations, including the regularization of land ownership in popular neighborhoods and buildings constructed without proper permits. One initiative, discussed during parliamentary works on February 27, 2026, mentioned around 1,400 neighborhoods with at least one million inhabitants. Another text focuses on constructions and projects established in agricultural areas with changed usage. Additionally, there is a component related to collective housing.
Saber Jlassi estimates that 1.2 million Tunisians live in popular or unauthorized neighborhoods facing land ownership issues. However, this figure remains an estimate and not an officially confirmed statistic. Previous parliamentary works mentioned around 1,400 popular neighborhoods with at least one million inhabitants. The exact number of people affected remains unclear.
The challenge of regularization extends beyond mere legal recognition of constructions. Regularization can help clarify land ownership rights and facilitate access to public networks or banking operations. However, it also raises questions about urban policy: how to resolve existing situations without implying that all irregular constructions can be regularized later?
Saber Jlassi calls for a revision of the Land Planning and Urbanism Code. The task is twofold: addressing accumulated situations and revising planning instruments to limit their reproduction. According to data presented to Parliament, around 29,000 out of 80,000 new housing constructions are considered irregular annually.
The Ministry of Equipment is working on addressing these issues. The proposed laws aim to provide solutions to the challenges faced by those living in unauthorized neighborhoods. The regularization process is expected to bring clarity and stability to these communities.
The issue of unauthorized housing and urban planning irregularities remains a significant challenge in Tunisia. The proposed laws and ongoing efforts aim to address the complexities of this issue and provide a framework for regularization. The outcome of these efforts will likely have a significant impact on the lives of the estimated 1.2 million people affected.
Key points
- An estimated 1.2 million Tunisians live in unauthorized neighborhoods.
- Four proposed laws aim to address urban irregularities in Tunisia.
- The regularization process aims to clarify land ownership rights and facilitate access to public networks.
