Tunisia's railway network is suffering from various forms of aggression, including vandalism and incivility. The country's railway infrastructure, including trains and metro lines, is facing daily incidents of stone-throwing and littering. The vandalism is not limited to the material damage but also affects the personnel and sites. The frequency of these incidents has raised concerns about the safety and security of passengers.
The littering problem is widespread, with individuals throwing trash, including food waste, cigarette butts, and coffee grounds, along the railway lines. The Tunisian Transport Company (Transtu) has organized cleaning campaigns, and local municipalities have been involved in cleaning up the areas around the railway lines. However, the problem persists, and it is believed that the people responsible for the littering are often residents living near the railway lines.
The vandalism also includes the theft of equipment, particularly at level crossings. The Tunisian National Railway Company (SNCFT) has warned motorists and pedestrians about the dangers of crossing certain level crossings due to the repeated theft of equipment. Several level crossings in the Ben Arous governorate have been targeted, and the problem is not limited to these areas.
The state of the Bac station on the TGM line is a prime example of the vandalism. The station has suffered significant damage, including the destruction of lighting, woodwork, and marble. The vandalism has affected dozens of areas, and the entire railway network is impacted by these incidents. The lack of reaction from the authorities has been criticized.
The commercial activities near the railway lines have also contributed to the problem. The installation of stalls and commercial activities near the metro lines has been tolerated, despite being a source of littering and vandalism. The situation at the terminus of line 3 of the metro is particularly dire.
The Tunisian authorities have been criticized for their lack of reaction to the vandalism. The municipal councils have been limited to cleaning up the litter, but more needs to be done to address the problem. The authorities need to take a firmer stance and impose sanctions on those responsible for the vandalism.
Solutions to the problem exist, including identifying the perpetrators and taking them to court. A notary public can be used to document the incidents, and judicial proceedings can be initiated. The municipal councils need to go beyond cleaning up the litter and take measures to prevent the vandalism, including providing waste management facilities and enforcing regulations.
Key points
- The Tunisian railway network is facing severe vandalism and incivility, with daily incidents of stone-throwing, littering, and equipment theft.
- The authorities have been criticized for their lack of reaction to the vandalism, and more needs to be done to address the problem.
- Solutions to the problem exist, including identifying the perpetrators and taking them to court.
