Nearly 123 alerts on water-related problems were recorded in October 2023 by the Tunisian Water Observatory. These alerts included cuts to drinking water (105), water leaks (13), protests (4) and drinking water (1). The governorate of Ben Arous tops the regions affected by these alerts (24), according to the thirst map, followed by Monastir (16 alerts) and Sousse (12 alerts). As of November 7, water reserves in all Tunisian dams have declined by 30%, compared to the average recorded over the last three years (762 million m3), according to data published, on November 8, by the National Agricultural Observatory (ONAGRI). The Observatory’s data also showed the withdrawal and use of 2.300 million m3 of water on November 7, while the water inflow into the dams did not exceed 0.330 million m3 until today. In a working session held on November 4, Agriculture Minister, Abdelmonem BelaSti, agreed to schedule awareness campaigns across Tunisia (from November 13) about the importance of water sources in a situation characterized by a rainfall shortage. The Agriculture Ministry also announced to develop a plan to ensure the supply of drinking water and increase control to guarantee compliance with the decision prohibiting some uses of water by taking restrictive measures against offenders. The Agriculture Department decided, on March 31, to temporarily prohibit certain uses of water and impose a temporary rationing system so as to address the current water shortage in Tunisia. These restrictive measures will remain in force until September 2023, the ministry said. !3General!4
Source: EN – Agence Tunis Afrique Presse