Tunisian State Secretary for Water Resources, Hamadi El Habib, paid a working visit to the Zaghouan governorate on October 29, 2026, to inspect several water projects and launch the 2026-2027 olive harvest season. He was accompanied by Zaghouan Governor Karim El Barngi and Abdelhamid Minga, CEO of the National Water Exploitation and Distribution Company.
During the visit, El Habib and his delegation inspected a project to build and equip 176 individual rainwater harvesting tanks in the Semanja region at a cost of over $5.5 million. The project aims to support rural families and improve their access to water. The delegation also learned about the experience of the "Zaitouna 1" agricultural company in optimizing natural resources and rationalizing irrigation water consumption.
The expected olive harvest in Zaghouan governorate is estimated to be around 12,000 tons. The delegation also inspected several projects aimed at enhancing drinking water supply systems, including the renovation of the "Al-Hanaya" system at a cost of nearly $55 million. Other projects include the renovation of the Bou Arara system in the Nadhour delegation and the reinforcement of the water supply in the Ouled Aifa region.
The visit also included a review of the proposed site for the construction of the Hawaria dam in the Fouch delegation. The delegation also followed up on the progress of the project to renovate the irrigated area in Oued El Kasab in the Sawa region, which aims to reduce water loss and improve irrigation efficiency on an area of nearly 60 hectares.
The visit concluded with a meeting of the Regional Water Council, which was held at the governorate headquarters. The council discussed proposals to strengthen drinking water supply systems and preparations to meet the region's water needs during the 2027 summer season. El Habib emphasized the need to accelerate the implementation of programmed projects and complete them within the specified deadlines.
The Tunisian government has allocated significant funds to improve water supply and irrigation systems in the Zaghouan governorate. The projects aim to address the challenges posed by climate change and increasing water needs. The government has emphasized the importance of efficient use of allocated funds to improve water services and enhance water security in the region.
Key projects inspected during the visit include the renovation of the Al-Hanaya water supply system and the construction of rainwater harvesting tanks in the Semanja region. These projects are expected to significantly improve access to water for rural communities and enhance irrigation efficiency.
Key points
- The Tunisian government has launched several water projects worth over $60 million in the Zaghouan governorate.
- The expected olive harvest in Zaghouan governorate is estimated to be around 12,000 tons.
- The projects aim to address the challenges posed by climate change and increasing water needs in the region.
