Summary:

On 10 July 2024, a report from the Forum of Economic and Social Rights (FTDES) indicated that 111 protests took place in the first half of the year due to water cuts throughout the country. 

In early July, the water supply in the El-Sheraytia area in Kairouan was cut for ten days without prior notice from the National Water Exploitation and Distribution Company (SONEDE).  

Meanwhile, in Sidi Bouzid, protesters near Souk Jdid blocked local roads with burning tires, calling for the return of drinking water. 

Coastal cities have also seen water cuts. In Sousse, residents gathered in front of SONEDE’s offices and governorates to protest disruptions to water supplies. 

At the end of June, dam fill rates were at 31.5% of capacity. SONEDE continued to blame water cuts on malfunctions in the distribution system, issuing numerous statements that repair work is underway. President Kais Saied dismissed the CEO of SONEDE on 3 July 2024, indicating that various leaders within the organization were seeking to use water cuts to foment popular dissent. 

Outlook: 

Access to drinking water remains a significant challenge in Tunisia as a multi-year drought continues to drive dam fill rates to record lows.  Unpredictable and extended water cuts, particularly in the interior and southern regions of the country, risk driving frustration among residents that could lead to protests and forms of civil unrest. 

While the administration has sought to show progress on water supply issues by highlighting work on desalination projects, the impact on overall supplies remains minimal.   

Disruptions in drinking water supplies as temperatures reach their peak are making living conditions challenging in Tunisia. Ongoing cuts and disruptions to water supplies will continue to drive tensions with the government as it struggles to maintain the nationalized water and electricity utilities that are particularly important in the summer months. 

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