Post: Efforts underway to accelerate implementation of integrated agricultural development project in south of Kasserine (Minister)

Tunis: Efforts are being made to speed up the implementation of the Integrated Agricultural Development Project in the south of the governorate of Kasserine, so as to launch it on time, said Minister of Agriculture, Water Resources and Fisheries, Abdelamonem Belati, during a plenary session held, Wednesday, at the Assembly of People's Representatives (ARP).The minister's statement comes in response to a question asked by the MP from Voice of the Republic bloc Abdelaziz Chaabani on the manipulation of data from the study of this project as well as attempts to compromise its realization.According to Belati, this project, whose cost is estimated at 240 million dinars, is of paramount importance as it seeks to reduce socio-economic disparities and improve the living conditions of poor categories in the region.He admitted the occurrence of a set of violations during the implementation of this project, adding that «some officials committed offenses in order to serve their own interests.»Addressing another i ssue related to access to drinking water in the town of Hassi El Ferid, the MP highlighted that nearly 200 families do not benefit from their right to water, which has led to growing tension in the region. He urged the minister to launch a «serious» investigation into the matter.Belati stressed that the issue of water supply remains one of the top priorities of his department, affirming that his department is working to resolve this problem in different regions. He spoke of a project of drilling four deep wells in Kasserine.Answering another question asked by MP of the Voice of the Republic bloc, Mohamed Amine Mbarki regarding the delay in carrying out an agricultural development project in north of Kasserine, the minister denied the existence of such project.On the other hand, he underlined that his department is looking into the implementation of other projects in the region, namely those focusing on developing irrigated areas in Jdiliane and Sbiba, which are funded by the African Development Bank (Af DB ).The minister spoke of another integrated agricultural development project in Jdiliane, Laayoun, Tala and Hidra, which is being funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IDB).Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse