Tunisia's Prime Minister, Sara Al-Zafrani Al-Zanzeri, announced that the country's water program has secured funding to continue work on several major projects. These projects include the construction of the Mellak El-Aloui dam and the expansion of the Bou-Hartma dam's storage capacity. The program also aims to upgrade the Medjerda-Atlas pipeline and construct new reservoirs, including the Saida and Qal'a Al-Kubra dams.
The water program also involves the renewal of approximately 300 kilometers of water channels to improve the efficiency of the networks. Additionally, the program plans to expand the desalination plants in Zarzis and Djerba and complete the Sfax plant. New desalination plants will be built in Qarqna and Ben Qerdan to provide fresh water to these regions. The prime minister noted that the desalination plant in Sidi Abd al-Hamid began operations on October 16, 2026.
The government is also set to complete the preparatory phases of the "Tanit" project, which aims to treat wastewater from five main stations and reuse it to irrigate around 11,500 hectares of land owned by the Domain of International Lands. The program also includes the transfer of excess water from the north to the center, including the transfer system from Bjaoua to the Nabhana dam. Furthermore, the program involves a project to compensate for very deep wells in southern Tunisia.
In preparation for the increased demand during the 2027 summer season, the prime minister announced that regional programs have been developed to drill and equip wells, construct pumping stations, and install backup equipment. The programs also involve the procurement of electrical generators, including mobile ones, which can be directed to pumping stations in emergency situations.
The government is also working on projects to produce electricity from solar energy to cover part of the needs of desalination and water treatment plants. These projects aim to reduce the energy costs of these plants and promote the use of renewable energy sources. The prime minister's statement highlights the government's efforts to address the country's water challenges and ensure a sustainable water supply.
The water program is a critical component of Tunisia's efforts to improve its water infrastructure and address the challenges posed by climate change. The program's success will depend on effective implementation and management, as well as continued investment in the sector. The government's commitment to investing in the water sector is a positive step towards ensuring a sustainable future for the country's water resources.
Overall, the water program is expected to have a significant impact on Tunisia's water supply and infrastructure. The program's focus on constructing new dams, upgrading existing infrastructure, and promoting the use of renewable energy sources will help to ensure a sustainable water supply for the country's growing population. The government's efforts to address the country's water challenges are crucial to promoting economic development and improving the quality of life for Tunisian citizens.
Key points
- The program includes the construction of new dams, including the Mellak El-Aloui dam and the expansion of the Bou-Hartma dam's storage capacity.
- The program aims to upgrade the Medjerda-Atlas pipeline and construct new reservoirs.
- The government plans to expand desalination plants in Zarzis and Djerba and complete the Sfax plant.
