Tunisia's Sanitation Crisis: 146 Municipalities Left Behind
The stark reality was presented to the Parliament on March 30, 2026: 146 Tunisian municipalities have never benefited from an intervention by the National Sanitation Office (ONAS). Not a single kilometer of sanitation network has been built in these areas.
50 Years of Investment: A Mixed Record
In the past 50 years, the ONAS has invested 5 billion dinars and covered 204 municipalities. However, to cover the remaining municipalities, an additional 7 billion dinars would be required. This sum is beyond the means of the ONAS, which is currently facing a financial crisis.
The Consequences of Inaction
The Director General of the ONAS cited the example of Soukra, in the Greater Tunis area, where nearly 1,000 hectares of agricultural land have been constructed in a disorganized manner. These unplanned and unconnected neighborhoods are flooded every time it rains heavily. This phenomenon is repeated in dozens of peri-urban areas across the country.
Progress, but at a Slow Pace
Projects are moving forward, albeit slowly. As part of a World Bank loan, a connection program is underway. To date, 3 neighborhoods are in the offer selection phase, 18 are in the tender phase, and 48 are in the preparation phase of the specifications. Despite these efforts, much work remains to be done to address the sanitation crisis in Tunisia.
