The African Development Bank (AfDB) has greenlit a major financing package of €111.5 million to overhaul the aging drinking water network in Greater Tunis, a critical intervention for a region of nearly 2.7 million people.
The approved funds are earmarked for a comprehensive modernization project designed to secure the capital’s water supply, drastically reduce technical losses, and cut the energy consumption of its distribution system.
“This project will sustainably strengthen the performance of the Greater Tunis drinking water network and improve service quality for citizens,” said Malinne Blomberg, the AfDB’s Country Manager for Tunisia. She emphasized the dual benefits of “lowering the water sector’s energy bill” and “reinforcing the distribution system against the impacts of climate variability.”
The operation directly supports Tunisia’s national agenda to improve public water services. It will equip the state water utility, SONEDE, with modern infrastructure and digital tools to combat water loss and bolster resilience against demographic pressure and climate change.
A Multi-Pronged Approach to Modernization
The project’s scope is extensive, focusing on four key areas:
- Pipeline Renewal: Replacing approximately 150 kilometers of aging water pipes to curb physical losses.
- Infrastructure Upgrade: Modernizing distribution, pumping, and storage facilities with high-performance, energy-efficient equipment.
- Digital Transformation: Deploying advanced supervision and control systems for real-time network management.
- Capacity Building: Strengthening SONEDE’s technical expertise and updating its management systems.
This strategic investment addresses the urgent need to consolidate water security for the capital while simultaneously reducing the sector’s substantial carbon footprint. The expected outcomes include improved service continuity, lower operating costs, and enhanced preparedness for climate-related disruptions.
“By modernising one of the country’s most important water networks, Tunisia is taking a significant step toward water resilience and energy efficiency,” stated Tarek Bouhlel, Director General for African Cooperation at the Ministry of Economy and Planning.
The project solidifies the AfDB’s continued role in supporting Tunisia’s efforts to transform its essential public infrastructure and secure a reliable water supply for its population.
TunisianMonitorOnline (NejiMed)
