The first concrete interventions of the national program for the rehabilitation of old towns should begin towards the end of 2026. The announcement was made this Monday, December 22, 2025 by the Minister of Equipment and Housing, Salah Zouari, on the occasion of the opening of the conference devoted to the revitalization of urban centers.
This program is part of the broader framework of the development of urban centers and primarily targets medinas and old buildings, often faced with advanced deterioration of their infrastructure and a decline in their economic and social attractiveness. Its financial envelope is estimated at around 50 million dinars.
According to the minister, ten municipalities were selected to benefit from this program, on the basis of technical and heritage criteria. The necessary studies are currently at an advanced stage, which should allow the completion of preparatory procedures and the launch of calls for tenders during the first half of next year.
Completion period set at 18 months
The actual start of the work is planned for the end of 2026, with a completion time set at 18 months. The interventions will focus in particular on improving the condition of old buildings, upgrading networks, as well as the requalification of public spaces in the heart of the cities concerned.
Beyond the heritage aspect, this program also aims to restore economic dynamism to historic centers, often deserted in favor of urban outskirts. The rehabilitation of medinas is seen by the authorities as a lever for local development, likely to support crafts, local commerce and cultural tourism.
However, there remains the question of the effective execution of the announced schedule, in a context marked by budgetary constraints and recurring delays in the completion of public projects. Local authorities and heritage stakeholders will be called upon to play a key role in guaranteeing the success of this program and preventing it from remaining at the announcement stage.
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