Summary:

On 9 October 2024, the National Observatory for Agriculture (Onagri) issued a new report indicating Tunisia’s dam filling rate decreased to 21.4% from 23.3% a month ago. According to Onagri this is the lowest dam fill rate reached in Tunisia in the last thirty years.  

The report comes as many regions in the country are suffering from sporadic water cuts with 152 cuts reported during September, according to the Tunisian Observatory of Water. Some water cuts have also been attributed to challenges with damaged infrastructure, including wells and distribution networks. 

Experts called for the declaration of a state of emergency and for immediate structural measures to resolve water waste resulting from the poor state of aging infrastructure. 

Meanwhile, some local communities are pursuing initiatives to create small, autonomous dams in agricultural areas in order to create more resilient farming infrastructure. 

Outlook: 

Tunisia is likely to continue witnessing climate change effects which will include challenges to maintaining a consistent supply of drinking water.  Without a comprehensive program to address policy, economic, and social challenges contributing to the water crisis, it will remain a key challenge. 

Despite the ongoing publicity around seawater desalination projects, a large part of which are still not completed, these efforts are unlikely to resolve the country’s water shortages at a national level. 

Sit-ins and protests, particularly in Tunisia’s interior, will likely continue and grow as citizens call for the state to protect the right to potable water.  

Explore our services or speak with our team of North Africa-based risk experts.