On October 6, 2026, Tunisian Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries, Azedin Balchik, visited the Saida Dam project in the Wadi Al-Layel delegation of Manouba Governorate. During his visit, he assessed the project's progress, which has reached approximately 92% completion. The minister stressed the importance of accelerating the completion of the remaining works to ensure the dam's readiness and contribution to forming a reserve of 45 million cubic meters. This reserve aims to meet the demand for drinking water and irrigation.
The Saida Dam project, funded by the Arab Development Fund and the state budget, has a total cost of around 214 million dinars. The project includes a dam, a flood evacuation system, an intake tower, and a diversion tunnel, in addition to a filling channel from the pumping station at Douar Al-Bay and another channel from the pumping station at Al-Habiba to the dam. The project also comprises five pumping stations, which are among the largest in the country, with a capacity ranging from 4.6 to 9.2 cubic meters per second.
The project's scope extends beyond the dam itself, including 115 diversion channels from Saida to the Beli region in Nabul Governorate, as well as balancing reservoirs, two of which are located in Manouba Governorate and a third in Khnak Al-Hajjaj, Nabul Governorate, with a capacity of 20,000 cubic meters. These components are designed to ensure efficient water distribution and management.
Minister Balchik was accompanied during his visit by representatives of regional and local authorities. He emphasized the need to address the remaining challenges and expedite the project's completion. The minister's visit aimed to oversee the project's progress and ensure its timely completion to meet the country's water needs.
The project's progress has been impacted by several factors, including resolving issues related to the project's land ownership and securing the necessary materials for its completion. Efforts have been made to overcome these challenges and ensure the project's successful completion.
Once completed, the Saida Dam project is expected to significantly contribute to meeting the country's water demands, particularly for drinking water and irrigation purposes. The project's completion will also help alleviate water scarcity issues in the region and support agricultural development.
The Saida Dam project is a significant component of Tunisia's efforts to enhance its water resources and management infrastructure. The project's progress reflects the government's commitment to addressing the country's water challenges and promoting sustainable development.
Key points
- The Saida Dam project is 92% complete and is expected to provide 45 million cubic meters of water for drinking and irrigation purposes.
- The project includes five large pumping stations and 115 diversion channels.
- The project's total cost is approximately 214 million dinars, funded by the Arab Development Fund and the state budget.
