The Minister of Tourism, Sofiene Tekaya, made a surprise visit yesterday at Port Kantaoui in Sousse, revealing a series of serious irregularities which prompted the authorities to open an administrative and judicial inquiry. This initiative aims to determine the responsibilities and to sanction any person involved in the degradation of this emblematic tourist site.
During this visit, the Minister ordered the urgent reopening of several closed establishments, including the famous Diar El Bahr restaurant, currently stuck in legal proceedings following economic difficulties linked to suspicions of embezzlement.
The Minister also undertook to regularize the situation of the employees of these establishments, deprived of wages for two months and without social coverage for more than a year.
Illegal rental and dubious practices
The minister has pointed out illegal practices affecting several residences belonging to deceased foreigners, who are currently rented in the night, or even on time. Unauthorized intermediaries circulate in the area with keys, praising these properties without the slightest control. “We will no longer tolerate these practices. It is unacceptable that property is rented in this way, without any regulation, “he said firmly.
Complaints from a Belgian resident
The visit was also marked by the intervention of a Belgian national, owner of an apartment at Port Kantaoui for over 25 years, which has requested the minister’s help to obtain his titles of property blocked for almost 40 years.
It also complained of night noise from surrounding establishments as well as olfactory nuisance caused by chicha smoke.
