The PRCA—an acronym that will soon become widely known, aims to transform the living conditions of citizens in many cities. It stands for the “Program for the Regeneration of Historic City Centers,” with planned works set to begin in seven municipalities: Sousse, Medenine, Monastir, Rades, Kelibia, Ras Jebel, and Ousja.
The projects are scheduled to start during the second and third quarters of 2026, announced Minister of Public Works and Housing, Slah Zouari, who added that they are expected to last around 18 months.
“These municipalities have reached an advanced stage in their technical studies and will be ready to start construction following the completion of these studies, the preparation of tender documents, the launch of calls for bids, and the selection of contractors,” he explained.
The PRCA, with a budget of €15 million (over 50 million Tunisian dinars), is co-financed by the French Development Agency (AFD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
The program aims to improve residents’ living conditions, promote the socio-economic integration of historic centers, enhance their unique characteristics, and strengthen their cultural and tourist appeal through a comprehensive approach that considers not only urban and architectural aspects but also socio-economic and institutional factors, emphasized the Director General of Housing, Néjib Snoussi.
He further clarified that the PRCA has five main components: rehabilitation of basic, infrastructure, improvement of public spaces, valorization of cultural heritage, renovation and reuse of historic buildings and promotion and revitalization of economic, tourist, and artisanal activities, alongside housing improvements
He also noted that the ten municipalities selected for the PRCA were chosen through a Call for Expression of Interest (CEI) organized in two phases, with 53 municipalities submitting 55 applications.
The selected municipalities are: Sousse, Nefta, Kairouan, Nabeul, Monastir, Rades, Medenine, Kelibia, Ras Jebel, and Ousja.
Technical studies have already been launched in Sousse, Medenine, Monastir, Rades, Kelibia, Ras Jebel, and Ousja, while preparations are underway to start studies in Nefta, Kairouan, and Nabeul.
Strategic Importance
According to the Minister of Public Works, the high number of municipalities (53 municipalities with 55 applications) participating in the Call for Expression of Interest reflects growing awareness of the strategic importance of such interventions.
He emphasized that regenerating historic centers is a national priority. This regeneration relies on a comprehensive approach aimed at enhancing tangible and intangible heritage, preserving social fabric, strengthening infrastructure, improving living conditions, and creating a sustainable economic and cultural dynamic that ensures the long-term vitality of these spaces and their full integration into the urban environment.
The minister noted that social and economic changes over the past decades have contributed to the weakening of many historic centers, the deterioration of some urban fabric components, complex land tenure situations, and the decline of traditional activities.
He explained that technical and architectural studies focused on architectural surveys, diagnostics and assessments of infrastructure networks, and the development of intervention proposals in line with heritage preservation requirements, current urban planning standards, and local traditions.
A Participatory Approach
The design and implementation of PRCA projects rely on a participatory approach and a gradual methodology, involving all stakeholders and beneficiaries.
This approach has engaged residents, center users, civil society, and associations, while ensuring coordination with the various public authorities and institutions involved in the program, he added.
By 2028, residents and users of historic urban centers will be able to witness the concrete benefits of these interventions through noticeable improvements in quality of life, a revival of economic and cultural activities, and the restoration of urban and social dynamics, turning these areas back into vibrant and attractive hubs, concluded Zouari.
