Tunisian Government Adopts Measures to Improve Water Governance and Management
A restricted ministerial council (CMR), chaired by Head of Government Kamel Madouri on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, adopted several measures to enhance water governance and management in Tunisia.
Key Decisions
The Council approved the completion of four dams, namely Mellègue, Douimiss, Kalaa Kebira, and Said, while launching the construction of Raghai and Khalled dams. The mobilization of groundwater resources will continue with additional financing for the realization of deep wells in the governorates of Kef and Nabeul. The development of treated water usage has also been retained, with the creation of 127 stations capable of producing approximately 292 million m³ of water, as well as 61 other stations specifically designed for irrigation. Finally, the reinforcement of desalination programs has been confirmed with the completion of the Sousse station, with a capacity of 50,000 m³ per day, and the construction of seven other stations in the south of the country, totaling a capacity of 40,000 m³ per day.
Additional Approvals
The CMR also approved:
- The development of the "Water Management Plan by 2050".
- The integration of renewable energies to reduce production and transfer costs, with a target of 30% of energy consumption covered by hydroelectricity and photovoltaics by 2035.
- The establishment of a digital platform for real-time management of hydraulic resources.
- The rehabilitation of rural water supply networks (2.3 billion dinars).
- The installation of smart meters and the acceleration of works to finalize the Water Code project.
Strategic Importance of Water Management
Madouri emphasized the strategic importance of integrated water resource management to ensure food and energy security in the country. He stressed the need to mobilize financing for the development of non-conventional water resources and the optimization of distribution networks.
Revision of the Water Code
The Secretary of State to the Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources, and Fisheries, in charge of water resources, recalled the urgency of revising the Water Code, in force since 1975, to strengthen governance efficiency and establish a sustainable management system adapted to climate challenges.
