The Tunisian government has announced plans to launch a $40 million project to enhance flood protection in the Manouba governorate. The project, set to begin in early 2027, aims to improve the evacuation of rainwater and reduce the risk of flooding in the area. The project is funded by the World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD) and is part of a larger program to protect cities and urban areas from flooding and enhance their resilience to natural disasters.
The project involves the development of the second section of the Oued Griâana and its tributaries. The works will include covering the Oued Griâana between the National Sanitation Office (ONAS) and the Ennasr neighborhood, as well as installing collectors and covering the canal at Avenue Ghilan Al Dimaski. Two retention basins in Manouba and Ennasr will also be upgraded to increase their capacity. The project also includes hydraulic and road infrastructure works.
A public consultation was held to discuss the project's environmental and social management plan. The meeting, held at the Manouba governorate, was attended by Governor Mahmoud Chouaib and Director of Urban Hydraulics Chokri Khlifi. The consultation aimed to address the potential impacts of the project, including disruptions to traffic, risks to water, sanitation, electricity, and telecommunications networks, as well as noise and dust pollution.
The project aims to protect populations, properties, and infrastructure from flooding. Participants at the consultation called for the closure of wastewater and industrial waste discharge into the Oued and requested an extension of the project to cover a third section, including El Gobaâ and Ennasr. A monitoring system will be put in place to minimize the project's environmental and social impacts.
This project is part of a larger initiative to protect the west of Greater Tunis from flooding, with a total budget of 150 million dinars. The first phase of the Oued Gueriana development project, launched in 2018, included three lots, including the connection between Manouba and Denden. The project has made significant progress since its inception.
The Tunisian government has emphasized the importance of protecting urban areas from flooding. The country has experienced several major floods in recent years, highlighting the need for improved infrastructure and flood protection measures. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the local population and economy.
The project is currently in the tendering phase, with the tender documents being prepared. Once completed, the project is expected to significantly reduce the risk of flooding in the Manouba governorate and improve the quality of life for local residents. The project's implementation is scheduled to start in early 2027.
Key points
- The project aims to improve flood protection in Manouba and reduce the risk of flooding.
- The project is funded by the World Bank and the French Development Agency (AFD).
- The project is part of a larger initiative to protect the west of Greater Tunis from flooding.
