Moncef Achour, a renowned Tunisian engineer and former director general of Ponts et Chaussées, has passed away, leaving behind a remarkable legacy in the country's infrastructure development. As an engineer centralien, Achour joined the administration early in his career and rapidly rose through the ranks. By 1975, he was already an principal engineer and under-director of Organisation and Programming.
Achour's expertise and leadership skills earned him high-level positions in the Ministry of Equipment. In December 1988, he was appointed director general of Planning, Cooperation, and Training, and soon after, he took the helm of Ponts et Chaussées, a position he held from 1989 to 2009. His twenty-year tenure is a testament to his exceptional expertise and the trust he inspired in his work.
As a member of a lineage of distinguished engineers, including Mokhtar Latiri, M'hamed Ali Souissi, Mhamed Soula, and Slaheddine Belaïd, Achour played a pivotal role in shaping Tunisia's road network. He was instrumental in developing the country's IXth Plan (1997-2001) road and highway program, which formed the backbone of the nation's infrastructure renewal.
Under Achour's guidance, the road network, largely inherited from the early years of independence, gradually took shape around highways and major interurban connections. This transformation aimed to open up regions and support economic development. His work has had a lasting impact on the country's infrastructure, with many of the roads and highways built during his tenure still in use today.
Achour's legacy extends beyond his impressive resume and the numerous projects he oversaw. He also played a significant role in training and developing teams of engineers and technicians who continue to work on infrastructure projects in Tunisia. His contributions to the country's development have left a lasting impact, and his passing has been met with tributes from across the nation.
The Tunisian government continues to pursue infrastructure development projects initiated by Achour. The country is currently working on several major projects, including the development of new highways and the upgrade of existing roads. These efforts aim to further improve the country's transportation network and support economic growth.
Moncef Achour's passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from colleagues, friends, and the wider community. His dedication to public service and his tireless work on behalf of Tunisia's infrastructure development have left a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit the country for generations to come.
Key points
- Moncef Achour, former director general of Ponts et Chaussées, has passed away, leaving behind a lasting legacy in Tunisia's infrastructure development.
- Achour played a pivotal role in shaping Tunisia's road network, including the development of the country's IXth Plan road and highway program.
- His work has had a lasting impact on the country's infrastructure, with many of the roads and highways built during his tenure still in use today.
