The environmental crisis in Gabès finds its origins in part in projects suspended for several years. During the plenary session held Monday at the Assembly of People’s Representatives, the Minister of Equipment and Housing, Slah Zouari, revealed that six unfinished projects, estimated at 200 million dinars, are directly linked to toxic gas emissions affecting the region.
Blocked construction sites responsible for pollution
According to the preliminary report of the commission of inquiry into pollution in Gabès, these uncompleted projects would have worsened the environmental situation, particularly near the Tunisian chemical complex. The minister stressed that these delays reflect years of mismanagement and administrative negligence.
Zouari added that a series of urgent measures have been decided to control the environmental situation and accelerate the completion of the works. The new project delivery deadlines have been set, he said, without yet revealing the exact timetable.
A Sino-Tunisian partnership to unblock construction sites
The minister also announced the conclusion of an agreement with a Chinese partner with a view to finalizing unfinished projects. A team of Chinese experts is expected in Gabès tomorrow to assess existing infrastructure and propose technical solutions, he said.
This partnership aims to restart treatment and depollution units that have been paralyzed for a long time, in order to sustainably reduce harmful emissions.
Zouari also detailed the urgent measures put in place to limit pollution and set the dates for completion of the work in coordination with the Chinese partner:
- Project to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions: work 98% completed, commissioning planned for the end of 2025.
- Project to reduce sulfur dioxide emissions: 75% progress, cost estimated at 8 million dinars.
- Project to improve ammonia emissions: work at 84%, possible finalization in six months, including the use of double absorption technology for gas purification.
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