The Société nationale d'exploitation et de distribution des eaux (SONEDE) in Tunisia has developed a multi-year strategy to secure the country's water supply. The plan, made public by the Ministry of Agriculture, Resources, and Fisheries, aims to address the chronic water stress and impacts of climate change. It was released in response to a written question from Deputy Asma Darouiche regarding the national vision for ensuring water security.
The plan is built around four main axes. These include strengthening the water supply to urban centers and large consumption hubs, implementing major networks in rural areas, a general water conservation program coupled with improving network efficiency, and a comprehensive energy transition program. The first axis focuses on optimizing water transfer from the north to regions such as Greater Tunis, Cap Bon, Sahel, and Sfax.
To address the deficit in local water resources in certain regions, the state is increasing its use of seawater and brackish groundwater desalination in the Sahel, Sfax, and southern governorates. In rural areas, particularly in the north and northwest, projects involve deploying medium-capacity surface water treatment stations. The construction of new water storage facilities and the laying of main supply lines are also underway.
The water conservation program targets the rehabilitation and modernization of distribution infrastructure to reduce physical losses and rationalize individual consumption. The energy component aims to improve the efficiency of energy use in production and pumping facilities by 15% by 2030. It also seeks to integrate renewable energies, such as small-scale hydroelectric power and photovoltaics, into the company's energy consumption by 30% by 2035.
In preparation for the 2027 summer season, SONEDE has developed an urgent operational program divided into four geographical zones. For Greater Tunis, the plan includes five urgent interventions, including the construction of three pumping stations and the drilling, electrification, and equipping of two deep wells. Similar urgent measures are planned for other regions, including the north, center, and south.
The plan for the north includes 19 urgent interventions, mainly focusing on connecting new wells to support deficient local networks. In central governorates, the program aims to optimize the supply of nine localities through the acquisition and laying of 20,000 meters of pipes, the purchase of 12 pumps, and the installation of emergency equipment in four pumping stations.
The regions of Sousse, Monastir, and Mahdia are expected to see significant improvements with the start of operations at the Sidi Abdelhamid desalination plant. In the southern governorates, SONEDE will deploy 43 urgent interventions, including the exploitation of deep groundwater. This involves the realization, electrification, equipment, and connection of 29 deep wells, as well as the renewal of old pipes and the detection of leaks to preserve water resources.
Key points
- SONEDE's plan includes a comprehensive energy transition program aiming to integrate 30% of renewable energy into its consumption by 2035.
