The Minister of Economy and Planning, Samir Abdelhafidh, received Meskerem Brhane, regional director of sustainable development at the World Bank for the MENAAP region, on Wednesday in Tunis.
The meeting, focused on bilateral cooperation, highlighted the water sector, considered a priority in the face of the effects of climate change. The two parties showed a convergence of views on the urgency of a strengthened partnership.
Water security at the heart of Tunisian priorities
According to the ministry’s press release, Samir Abdelhafidh insisted on the strategic place of the water sector in public policies. Tunisia faces both structural water stress and worsening climate impacts, requiring an overhaul of governance, improving sector profitability and strengthening infrastructure.
The minister detailed the areas currently being deployed: modernization and maintenance of distribution networks, renovation of aging installations, recycling and wastewater treatment programs, and optimization of the use of available resources. He also welcomed the current level of cooperation with the World Bank, believing that it will continue to play a decisive role in the next phases.
The WB willing to strengthen its technical and financial support
Meskerem Brhane stressed that water security constitutes an essential pillar of economic and social development. She recalled the World Bank’s commitment to supporting Tunisia, both through project financing and the technical support necessary for the implementation of structural reforms.
The head of the WB expressed the institution’s availability to intensify consultation with Tunisian structures, in order to develop medium and long-term action programs. The objective: to help the country meet the growing challenges linked to water scarcity, sustainable resource management and climate adaptation.
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