In a context of increasing pressures on water resources, Tunisia is starting a new step in the modernization of water management. Hamadi Hbib, Secretary of State for Water Resources, recently made a field visit to the governorate of Médenine, accompanied by the CEO of SONEDE and the Governor of the Region.
This visit made it possible to find the progress of an innovative pilot project in Sedouikech, on the island of Djerba: the installation of intelligent water meters. To date, 2067 counters have been put into service, and the figure should reach 3000 in the near future.
This technology allows remote and in real time monitoring of drinking water consumption, quickly detects any leaks, and offers subscribers to remote services, such as payment of their invoices or monitoring their hourly consumption.
The Secretary of State praised an initiative which he describes as “pioneer” in the sector, emphasizing his role in the rationalization of water use and the reduction of losses. He also visited the Djerba’s Sonede district as well as the Mezraya desalination station, where several technical aspects were reviewed.
With a view to sustainable management, an awareness program for water economics will soon be launched in Djerba, but also on a national scale. It targets in particular tourism establishments, by encouraging them to use seawater to fill their swimming pools and water green spaces with treated wastewater, with the aim of limiting cuts during the summer.
On the sidelines of this visit, the Secretary of State inaugurated an educational project called “Dout drop, I arrive a tree”, designed by the Civic Education Club of the Ibn Arafa Institute in Houmet Souk. Through this initiative, students presented their commitment to the environment and responsible management of water. The project was welcomed by the authorities, who recommended its generalization.
