Tunisia's Interior Ministry has announced that it is closely monitoring buildings at risk of collapse across the country. The ministry stated that its central, regional, and local services are tracking these buildings on a daily basis, particularly in the greater Tunis area and in the municipalities of Tunis City and Bab Souika. This effort aims to identify and address potential hazards to public and private properties.
The ministry was responding to a written question from Deputy Amel Mouaddab regarding the status of buildings at risk of collapse in the neighborhood of Nahj Amer Bey in Tunis City. According to the ministry, the Tunis City municipality has begun to inventory threatened buildings and set up lists, and has invited a tripartite committee to conduct on-site inspections and prepare descriptive cards to classify the degree of risk for each property.
The tripartite committee consists of representatives from the Tunis City municipality, the regional equipment and housing administration, and the National Heritage Institute, as per the provisions of Law No. 33 of 2024. Based on the evaluation results, the ministry will issue warnings to property owners to take necessary precautions and prevent risks to public and private properties, and will take required decisions, including evacuation orders, in accordance with current legal procedures.
At the operational level, the ministry reported that the Tunis City municipality has established a rapid intervention team that operates according to two mechanisms. The first involves immediate intervention to mitigate danger and remove debris in the event of sudden collapse, while the second involves proactive intervention to demolish parts of buildings that are at risk of collapse and pose an imminent threat.
The rapid intervention team works according to a daily program and in coordination with relevant structures. The ministry stated that the municipality has made available all necessary equipment and resources for the team, and will rent additional equipment if needed to ensure effective interventions based on priorities.
The ministry's efforts aim to protect public and private properties and prevent potential risks. The Interior Ministry's announcement comes as Tunisia continues to face challenges related to urban development and infrastructure maintenance.
The authorities have urged property owners and residents to report any concerns about buildings at risk of collapse and to cooperate with the relevant authorities to address these issues. The ministry's proactive approach is expected to help mitigate risks and prevent accidents related to building collapses.
Key points
- The Tunisian Interior Ministry is monitoring buildings at risk of collapse across the country, with a focus on the greater Tunis area.
- A rapid intervention team has been established to address immediate and potential risks posed by threatened buildings.
- The ministry is working in coordination with local authorities and relevant structures to ensure effective interventions and protect public and private properties.
