Tunisia's Sanitation Crisis: A Growing Concern
Every Tunisian pays a sanitation fee on their water bill, a modest sum that often goes unnoticed. However, behind this discreet amount lies a crisis that has been silently growing for three years.
The Alarming Numbers
On March 30, 2026, the Director General of the ONAS (National Sanitation Office) presented the situation to the Parliament, armed with alarming figures. The office's cumulative deficit has skyrocketed from 87.6 million dinars in 2023 to a projected 211.6 million dinars for 2025. In just two years, the deficit has multiplied by 2.4.
The Reason Behind the Crisis
The tariff increases for 2023, 2024, and 2025 were officially approved but never implemented, except for the first year's increase. Meanwhile, expenses continued to rise, including network maintenance, repayment of external loans, and expansion of services to small towns and rural areas. Unfortunately, revenue did not keep pace.
Visible Consequences
The consequences of this crisis are evident on the ground:
- Overflowing pipelines
- Neighborhoods flooded at the slightest rain
- Stalled connection projects
- Families waiting for years to access a sanitation network
The situation is dire, and it is essential to address the sanitation crisis in Tunisia to prevent further deterioration and ensure a healthy and safe environment for its citizens.
