Tunisian Residents Face Ongoing Road Closures in Rouad

Residents of Hay Ennadhour in Tunisia's Ariana governorate are facing ongoing difficulties due to road closures and blockages in the Rouad area. A group of private individuals has erected walls, barriers, iron doors, and barbed wire around a land plot near the beach, causing frustration among locals. The closures have resulted in necessary passageways being blocked, restricting residents' movement and access to neighboring areas.

Despite decisions by the Rouad municipality to remove these obstructions, the barriers remain in place. The municipality has issued several decisions, including number 27/2024 on October 10, 2024, to remove three iron doors installed without a permit. Decision 28/2024, dated October 16, 2024, concerns the removal of barbed wire and demolition of iron walls built without a license. Decision 96/2024, also dated October 16, 2024, involves dismantling barriers and earthworks constructed without authorization.

Residents have expressed their concerns, stating that not only have the barriers not been removed, but new constructions have been added, including a recently built wall that further isolates them. They claim that despite their complaints and meetings with local authorities, the situation remains unresolved. The residents have also sought intervention from the regional administration and had a court official document the situation on June 16, 2025.

The continued road closures have significantly impacted daily life for residents, forcing them to use alternative, often longer routes. This is particularly challenging for students who now have to travel greater distances to reach their school in Rouad. Locals stress that the issue is about their right to use public roads and maintain their daily routines without obstruction.

A municipality official stated that the implementation of the decisions to remove the barriers will occur in the coming period, following a coordination meeting and the provision of necessary security and equipment. The official emphasized that such actions are part of a regular program carried out in coordination with regional structures, subject to available resources and logistical arrangements.

Residents of Hay Ennadhour reiterated their demand for the enforcement of the law and the guarantee of all citizens' rights to use public passageways without exclusion. They called for the reopening of the closed roads and an end to their isolation, seeking concrete actions and a clear timeline for implementation rather than mere promises.

The situation highlights the ongoing challenges faced by residents in accessing public spaces and the need for effective enforcement of municipal decisions to ensure public rights are respected. The issue remains a priority for the affected residents, who await tangible solutions to their predicament.

Key points

• Residents are demanding the enforcement of law and guarantee of their rights to use public passageways without exclusion.