The Tunisian water utility company, SONEDE, has successfully saved 5 million cubic meters of water as part of a program co-financed by the European Union. This achievement represents about a third of the program's target of saving 15 million cubic meters of water by 2029. The program focuses on reducing water losses in the distribution networks of seven governorates in central and southern Tunisia.
The program, launched in 2021, has a total European funding of approximately 12.4 million euros, equivalent to around 41.8 million Tunisian dinars. Its objectives go beyond just saving water, aiming to reduce losses in SONEDE's networks, improve their efficiency, and limit the pressure on groundwater resources. The program covers the governorates of Kairouan, Kasserine, Sidi Bouzid, Gafsa, Gabès, Médenine, and Tataouine, which are characterized by arid or semi-arid conditions and are particularly vulnerable to water scarcity.
The program includes interventions designed to improve the technical performance of the network and reduce real and apparent losses. It involves sectorization of networks, improving network knowledge, and strengthening leak detection capabilities. The program also aims to improve the quality of service, with nearly two million inhabitants in the seven governorates expected to benefit from a more sustainable and continuous supply of potable water.
The 5 million cubic meters of water saved so far do not represent new water resources produced but rather water preserved through improved network performance and reduced losses. This distinction is crucial in the context of increasing pressure on Tunisia's water resources. The Tunisian government has prioritized reducing losses, intelligent leak detection, and modernizing networks in its water management program.
The program also contributes to reducing the energy needs related to water production and distribution, and consequently, the associated emissions. By improving the efficiency of its networks, SONEDE can reduce the energy required to produce and distribute water, which can help mitigate the environmental impact of its operations.
The European Union's support for this program reflects its commitment to helping Tunisia address its water challenges. The program is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable water management practices in Tunisia and ensure a more secure water future for its citizens. The success of this program can serve as a model for other water utilities in the region.
Moving forward, SONEDE and its partners will continue to work towards achieving the program's objectives, including the ambitious target of saving 15 million cubic meters of water by 2029. The program's progress will be closely monitored, and its outcomes will be evaluated to identify areas for improvement and opportunities for replication in other contexts.
Key points
- The program aims to save 15 million cubic meters of water by 2029.
- The program covers seven governorates in central and southern Tunisia.
- The European Union has provided approximately 12.4 million euros in funding for the program.
