On November 2, Tunisian President Kaïs Saïed met with Minister of Equipment and Housing, Slah Zouari, to discuss the progress of major national projects. During the meeting, the President reaffirmed his commitment to the Djerba bridge project, which aims to provide a more efficient and reliable transportation link between the island of Djerba and the mainland. The project is expected to complement existing ferry services and the ancient Roman road.

The Djerba bridge project is one of several major infrastructure developments in Tunisia that have been prioritized by the President. The project is seen as a key initiative to boost economic growth and improve living standards in the region. According to President Saïed, the project will help to reduce travel times and increase economic opportunities for residents of Djerba and surrounding areas.

In addition to the Djerba bridge project, President Saïed also discussed the upcoming inauguration of a trans-border road between Tunisia and Algeria. The new road is expected to enhance trade and economic cooperation between the two countries. However, the President expressed concern about the state of other infrastructure projects in the country, citing examples of abandoned or poorly executed construction sites.

To address these issues, President Saïed called for a comprehensive overhaul of the country's public procurement framework, which he described as outdated and prone to abuse. He argued that this reform is essential to prevent corruption and ensure the timely completion of infrastructure projects. The President emphasized that this reform is also crucial to promoting territorial equality and reducing regional disparities.

According to President Saïed, the reform of the public procurement framework is closely linked to the fight against territorial inequalities. He stressed the need to develop infrastructure in neglected areas and to harness local natural resources to benefit local communities. The President described the effort to implement these reforms as a "race against time" that requires swift and decisive action.

President Saïed reiterated his commitment to implementing decisions and achieving tangible results to promote social justice and equality. He emphasized that the government must work efficiently to deliver on its promises and to address the needs of Tunisian citizens. The President's emphasis on the Djerba bridge project and other infrastructure developments reflects his administration's focus on promoting economic growth and improving living standards in Tunisia.

The Tunisian government has faced criticism for its handling of infrastructure projects in the past, with some projects being delayed or abandoned due to corruption and mismanagement. President Saïed's call for reform and his emphasis on the importance of the Djerba bridge project suggest that his administration is committed to improving the country's infrastructure and promoting economic development.

Key points

  • The Djerba bridge project is a key priority for the Tunisian government, aimed at improving connectivity between the island of Djerba and the mainland.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.