The European Investment Bank (BEI) has just announced two new funding of a total amount of 30 million euros to support the improvement in drinking water supply in the Grand Tunis.
30 million euros to improve the supply of drinking water in the Grand Tunis
A structuring project to anticipate the increase in demand and adapt to the effects of climate change
Launch of a study with WWF and ONAS on nature -based solutions for wastewater treatment
This program, supported by a guarantee of the European Union, aims to anticipate the growth of water demand and to meet the challenges posed by climate change.
A first financing contract of 22 million euros was signed with the National Water Operation and Distribution Company (SONEDE), while a second of 8 million euros was concluded directly with the Tunisian Republic.
These funds will allow in particular the construction of a new treatment station in Bejaoua, the installation of pumping stations, the installation of water supply pipes and the creation of tanks intended to serve the entire Grand Tunis, including its new development zones such as the future financial port of Tunis.
Faced with an increase estimated at 50% of water demand by 2040, this investment is considered strategic to ensure the water safety of a region marked by strong population growth. This project is also co -financed in equal shares with the French Development Agency (AFD) as part of the Initiative of Reciprocal Delegation between European Donors.
At the same time, the BEI is launching a partnership with the Global Fund for Nature (WWF) and the National Sanitation Office (ONAS) to promote nature -based solutions in wastewater treatment. A study, relating to Tunisian cities with less than 3,000 inhabitants, will be carried out to identify a pilot project. Its results will be presented during an event scheduled in Tunis on May 19.
In addition, an envelope of 5 million euros, funded by the EU, will be mobilized to support the Tunisian Ministry of the Economy and Planning in the preparation of a new generation of public investment projects. Objective: to improve the quality, sustainability and resilience of future strategic projects for the country.
BEI vice-president, Ioannis Tsakiris, said: “Through these partnerships, we support concrete, innovative solutions adapted to the needs of Tunisian populations, in terms of water and sanitation. »»
For his part, Giuseppe Perrone, EU ambassador to Tunisia, recalled that these initiatives are part of the “Water” initiative of Team Europe, which has already made it possible to mobilize nearly 1.7 billion euros for access to water and sanitation in Tunisia.
These actions are part of the strategic partnership between the EU and Tunisia and support the sustainable development objectives included in the 2030 Agenda.
