The Tunisian Ministry of Defense has clarified its stance on the proposed revision of the route of Regional Road 72 in the Wadi Mlague area of Kef governorate. According to the ministry, the four proposed hypotheses by the Ministry of Equipment and Housing do not pose significant problems, as there are no sensitive areas in the project zone. This statement was made in response to a written question by a member of parliament.
The Ministry of Defense stated that on February 27, 2020, it informed the Ministry of Equipment of its proposal to adopt the first hypothesis, which has a route length of 9.9 km. This route was considered the most suitable for the effectiveness of military unit interventions in case of potential threats. Additionally, the route passes near a dam, enhancing precautions against potential risks.
A member of parliament had raised concerns that the Ministry of Defense's proposed new route would be 21 km longer than the initial route, increasing travel time and costs for passengers, vehicle owners, and public transportation users. The parliamentarian noted that a public consultation was launched with four proposed hypotheses, and the fourth hypothesis, with a length of 7 km, was chosen as the shortest and most secure route.
The Ministry of Defense emphasized that it did not propose a new route, as there was no justification for doing so, and had not received any requests or written proposals since February 27, 2020. The ministry recalled that the Ministry of Equipment and Housing had prepared four hypotheses for changing the route of Regional Road 72, with lengths ranging from 9.9 km to 11 km.
The Ministry of Equipment and Housing had sent a letter to the Ministry of Defense on December 19, 2019, requesting an opinion on the proposed hypotheses. The Ministry of Defense's response was provided on February 27, 2020, in which it expressed its preference for the first hypothesis. The proposed revisions aim to improve the road network and enhance safety in the region.
The Regional Road 72 connects the cities of Tiwirf and Kef. The proposed route revisions have sparked debate among local residents and road users. The Ministry of Defense's clarification aims to provide transparency and alleviate concerns about the project's impact on the region. The project is expected to be implemented in the near future.
The Ministry of Defense's statement highlights the importance of coordination between government agencies and stakeholders in infrastructure development projects. The clarification also underscores the need for careful planning and consideration of various factors, including security, environmental, and social impacts. The project's implementation will be closely monitored by local authorities and residents.
Key points
- The Ministry of Defense has clarified that the proposed revisions to Regional Road 72 pose no major issues.
- The ministry had proposed a 9.9 km route as the most suitable option for military interventions and dam safety.
- The project aims to improve road safety and network efficiency in Kef governorate.
