As autumn begins, the sidewalks of Kairouan, a city in Tunisia, were expected to regain their natural role as pedestrian walkways. However, a stroll through several streets reveals that some cafes have expanded onto the sidewalks, posing a challenge to the balance between commercial activity and citizens' right to use public space. In several areas, tables and chairs have spilled out onto the sidewalks, leaving narrow pathways for pedestrians.
The scene may seem ordinary to some, but for pedestrians, it is a daily inconvenience. Citizens who choose to walk on the sidewalk find themselves facing rows of tables and chairs, forcing them to change direction, walk between customers, or even descend onto the road alongside cars. One citizen noted that the issue is not with the existence of cafes per se, but rather with the respect for the space allocated to pedestrians, emphasizing that sidewalks are public property and everyone has the right to use them.
During the summer months, the expansion of cafes onto sidewalks can be attributed to the increased demand for outdoor seating. However, as the seasons change and daily life returns to normal, the density of pedestrian traffic increases, making it essential to have clear sidewalks, especially in commercial areas and zones with continuous activity. In some locations, the sidewalk appears to be an extension of the commercial establishment, leaving only a limited space for pedestrians to pass.
In other areas, cafe owners have maintained a clear path for pedestrians, demonstrating that organizing public space is possible with proper monitoring and compliance. Citizens do not seem to demand the closure of cafes but rather the enforcement of regulations governing the use of public property. One resident noted that cafes are an integral part of city life, but this should not come at the expense of pedestrians who rely on sidewalks to reach their destinations.
Citizens are calling for regular monitoring of sidewalk usage, with regulations applied uniformly to prevent temporary enforcement campaigns that often fail to achieve lasting results. In the past, Kairouan has witnessed campaigns to free up sidewalks and address unauthorized use of public space, involving several businesses and cafes, with necessary legal actions taken against violators.
However, some citizens believe that addressing the issue should not be limited to temporary campaigns but rather require continuous follow-up and clear organization of usable spaces, setting limits on excesses while preserving commercial activity. The primary concern for pedestrians is the right to safe and clear passage, and as autumn begins, there is a renewed need to reassess and organize public spaces.
The challenge in Kairouan is to find a balance that allows cafes to operate within an organized framework while ensuring pedestrians can exercise their natural right to walk on sidewalks without obstacles. As the summer season comes to a close, the question of who owns or controls the sidewalks remains a pressing issue in the city's streets.
Key points
- Pedestrians in Kairouan face difficulties due to cafes expanding onto sidewalks.
- Citizens demand regular monitoring and enforcement of regulations to balance commercial activity with public space usage.
- The city aims to find a balance between cafe operations and pedestrian rights to use sidewalks.
