Tunisian Government Reviews Progress on Hydraulic Projects in Kef Region

Tunisian Secretary of State for Water Hamadi Habib recently visited the Kef region to assess the progress of various hydraulic projects. The visit aimed to evaluate the state of several projects and their expected impact on the region's water supply. Habib inspected multiple sites, including areas where water scarcity has been a recurring issue. The projects are designed to improve the region's water infrastructure and mitigate the effects of climate change.

One of the key projects reviewed was the reinforcement of water resources in Kef-Est and Kef-Ouest, which has reached 98% completion. The project, costing approximately 29 million dinars, aims to reduce recurrent water outages and enhance the supply of potable water to areas such as Dahmani and Ksour. Habib emphasized the need to accelerate the completion of programmed projects, adhere to deadlines, and utilize allocated funds efficiently.

During his visit, Habib also inspected the Zenfour water network development project, which has a budget of over 3.273 million dinars. The project involves laying approximately 26 km of water pipes and constructing and equipping ground reservoirs and pumping stations. Once completed, the project will benefit around 140 families and contribute to improving rural areas' water supply.

Another project reviewed was the rehabilitation of the Sidi Khiar irrigated perimeter, which spans 780 hectares and benefits around 312 farmers. The project aims to minimize water losses and optimize its use. The works have exceeded 90% completion and include the maintenance of pumping stations, renovation of concrete discharge pipes, and the acquisition and installation of a plastic liner for the main reservoir.

Habib also examined the project to improve the water supply in the Touiref delegation, launched in July 2026, with a total budget of 12.5 million dinars. The project consists of three phases, with the first phase costing 3.579 million dinars and involving the laying of 20,400 linear meters of pipes and the equipment of hydraulic structures.

Additionally, studies for the water supply project in Sakiet Sidi Youssef have been completed, and works are expected to commence before the end of 2027, according to the CEO of the National Water Exploitation and Distribution Company (SONEDE). The projects reviewed during Habib's visit aim to address the growing demand for water, particularly during the summer months.

The visit concluded with a meeting of the regional water council, where proposals and requests related to enhancing potable water systems were discussed. The council also reviewed irrigated areas that are currently inactive or scheduled for improvement to ensure service continuity and meet increasing demand. The meeting addressed several ongoing and upcoming projects, including the construction of a bridge over Oued Sarrath, which is set to begin in early 2027.

Key points

• The Tunisian government is investing in several hydraulic projects to improve the water supply in the Kef region, including a 29 million dinar project to reinforce water resources in Kef-Est and Kef-Ouest.