The Tunisian Ministry of Environment has raised concerns over the halted construction of a third basin at the controlled Rahma landfill in Menzel Bouzelfa, Nabeul governorate. According to the ministry, the stoppage of work on this retention basin not only jeopardizes waste management in the region but also undermines the entire ecological protection system of the site. The project, managed by the National Waste Management Agency (ANGED), aims to provide permanent technical solutions to handle the increasing volume of waste.
The third basin is designed to receive "concentrates," highly saline waters resulting from the treatment of leachates. The ministry asserts that the basin meets the strictest technical standards, featuring a completely isolated and impermeable structure lined with geomembranes to prevent toxic infiltration into the soil and groundwater. Local concerns about potential pollution risks have been addressed, with the ministry emphasizing the basin's impermeability.
The core issue lies in the operational impasse caused by the construction halt. Without alternative storage spaces for liquid treatment residues, the entire facility's operation is congested. The Environment Ministry warns that continued paralysis of the third basin's construction will lead to two major failures: worsened household waste treatment dysfunction and an imminent threat to the ecological balance of Nabeul governorate.
The dispute over the controlled Rahma landfill has taken a critical turn. In response to a written question from Deputy Rym Sghaier regarding the interruption of excavation work, the Environment Ministry highlighted the project's importance. The ministry stressed that, rather than being a source of additional nuisance, the construction is crucial to preventing a total breakdown of public waste management services in the region.
According to the ministry, the additional construction work aims to provide solutions to absorb the growing volume of waste and ensure the secure treatment of concentrates. The Rahma landfill, located in the Menzel Bouzelfa delegation, plays a vital role in managing household waste in the region. A crisis could arise if the situation is not resolved promptly.
The situation has sparked renewed debate on the local acceptance of waste treatment infrastructure in Tunisia. The Environment Ministry's warning emphasizes the urgency of resolving the issue. The ministry's concerns have been conveyed to the relevant authorities, and a resolution is expected to be sought.
The construction halt has significant implications for the region's environmental and public health. The Ministry of Environment continues to advocate for the project's completion, stressing its importance in maintaining ecological balance and ensuring efficient waste management. Key stakeholders, including local authorities and residents, are expected to engage in discussions to find a solution to the crisis.
Key points
- The Tunisian Ministry of Environment warns that blocking construction of the third basin at the Rahma landfill could lead to a crisis.
- The third basin is designed to handle increasing volumes of waste and "concentrates" from leachate treatment.
- The construction halt threatens to disrupt waste management services and ecological balance in Nabeul governorate.
