Tunisia is grappling with recurring water and electricity disruptions, affecting various regions and cities. The issue has become a daily concern for citizens, who often find themselves without access to these essential services. State-owned companies Sonede and Steg, responsible for water and electricity supply, respectively, have been criticized for their handling of the situation. Despite being aware of the problems, the companies seem to be ineffective in resolving them.
The disruptions have led to numerous protests and demonstrations across the country. In September, the Tunisian Water Observatory reported 227 citizen alerts related to water access issues. These alerts included 197 cases of unannounced water cuts, 10 related to movements demanding the right to water, 18 denouncing water leaks, and 2 concerning water quality. The situation has resulted in significant social tensions and blocked roads.
The management of Sonede and Steg has been accused of failing to communicate effectively with citizens and provide adequate services. The companies' bureaucracy and administrative procedures have been criticized for being cumbersome and inefficient. Citizens often face difficulties in obtaining information or resolving issues related to their services. The lack of digitalization and ineffective communication channels exacerbate the problem.
Experts attribute the disruptions to technical and commercial losses. Technical losses are caused by outdated equipment and installations, while commercial losses result from fraudulent activities, tampering with meters, and other dysfunctions. To address these issues, Sonede and Steg need to revise their accounts and develop new strategies for management and communication.
The Tunisian government has set objectives for the 2026-2030 national development plan, which include improving the efficiency of state-owned companies. Sonede and Steg must align themselves with these objectives and implement measures to enhance their services. The companies should prioritize digitalization and improve their communication with citizens to address the persistent issues.
In comparison to other countries, Tunisia's experience with water and electricity disruptions is particularly challenging. In France, for example, a law prohibits disconnections due to unpaid bills. In contrast, Tunisian citizens frequently face disruptions, even during peak summer months. The situation has become a pressing concern for the government and the companies responsible.
To address the issue, Sonede and Steg must adopt a more proactive approach to managing their services and communicating with citizens. The companies should prioritize investments in infrastructure and technology to reduce technical losses and improve efficiency. By doing so, they can mitigate the disruptions and provide better services to Tunisian citizens.
Key points
- The Tunisian government aims to improve the efficiency of state-owned companies through the 2026-2030 national development plan.
