Three seawater desalination plants are currently under construction in Gabes, Sfax and Sousse and will be operational by the end of 2024, while tenders will soon be launched for the construction of four more stations in Tozeur, Kebili, Sidi Bouzid and Ben Guerdane, said
CEO of the Tunisian Water Distribution Utility (SONEDE).
In a statement to the daily Echourouk on Wednesday, he stressed the need for Tunisia to intensify the network of desalination plants and increase the rate of rainwater mobilization through 4 dams under construction and two others whose construction will start in the near future. He noted that the southern and central governorates have recorded the drilling of 16,000 uncontrolled wells, which has led to the depletion of the water table.
He also mentioned the possibility of extending the rationing of drinking water during the peak summer period, stressing that the available water resources do not allow pumping water at a continuous rate. This has dictated the introduction of the quota system, in addition to the prohibition of certain uses of drinking water, he pointed out.
He explained that drinking water accounts for only 20% of total water consumption, while agricultural activity consumes 80% of water resources, stressing the need to create a culture of rational water use.
