The Tunisian Ministry of Environment has warned that the halt in construction of a third basin at the 'Al Rahma' outlet in the Nabel governorate poses a significant threat to the country's waste management capabilities. In a written response to a question from Deputy Riem Al Saghir, the ministry stated that the delay in completing the project will exacerbate the environmental situation and impact the public service responsible for disposing of household and similar waste.

The construction of the third basin is part of a broader plan to upgrade the 'Al Rahma' outlet, which is being carried out by the National Agency for Waste Management. The project aims to find technical solutions to ensure the continuity of the public service for a longer period. The basin in question is specifically designed to collect salt-saturated water resulting from the treatment of leachate.

The Ministry of Environment emphasized that the basin is not an additional source of pollution, but rather an integral part of the site's environmental protection system. It is designed to collect treated water in an isolated and lined basin that meets technical specifications, preventing any potential leaks into the soil or groundwater.

The ministry noted that the delay in completing the basin has already led to a worsening of the exploitation situation at the facility, with no additional prepared spaces available to receive salt-saturated water resulting from the treatment process. This has resulted in increased pressure on the facility's operations.

According to the ministry, halting the construction of the third basin will have negative consequences for the environmental situation in the region and disrupt household and similar waste disposal. The ministry stressed that it is essential to complete the project to ensure the continuity of the public service.

The 'Al Rahma' outlet is a critical facility for waste management in the region, and its proper functioning is essential for maintaining environmental health. The ministry's warning highlights the need for swift action to complete the construction of the third basin and ensure the long-term sustainability of waste management services.

The situation underscores the challenges faced by Tunisia in managing its waste effectively, and the importance of investing in infrastructure and services to address these issues. The Ministry of Environment's efforts to upgrade the 'Al Rahma' outlet are crucial in this regard, and the completion of the third basin is seen as a vital step towards achieving this goal.

Key points

  • The Tunisian Ministry of Environment warns that halting construction of a third basin at the 'Al Rahma' outlet threatens waste management continuity.
  • The basin is designed to collect salt-saturated water resulting from leachate treatment.
  • The ministry emphasizes that the basin is part of the site's environmental protection system and not an additional source of pollution.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.