Tunisia Faces Worst Water Scarcity in Years
Tunisia is currently experiencing its worst water scarcity in years, with the country grappling with a four-year drought. The situation is particularly dire in the remote village of Ouled Omar, located 180 kilometers southwest of the capital Tunis. The villagers, especially women like Ounissa Mazhoud, wake up every morning with one thing on their minds: finding water.
The World Bank predicts that by 2030, the Middle East and North Africa region will fall below the “absolute water scarcity” threshold of 500 cubic meters per person per year. Tunisia, already ranked as the 33rd most water-stressed country by the World Resources Institute, has dropped to just 450 cubic meters per inhabitant. The country’s dams, which are the primary source of drinking water and irrigation, are only filled to 22 percent capacity, despite recent showers.
Water rationing has been introduced in major cities to limit household use, but in remote villages like Ouled Omar, where water scarcity directly impacts farming and livestock, the issue takes on even greater weight. Mahmoud Mazhoud, a resident of Ouled Omar, had to sell half of his cow herd to afford to keep the rest alive due to the inability of the village to support livestock. The village is now home to 22 families who share the only remaining spring, which yields a mere 10 liters of undrinkable water per day.
The effects of climate change and other factors have led to the drying up of natural water sources in the region. Ramzi Sebtaoui, a stockbreeder, now has to travel 20 kilometers every day to bring water to his family from the closest source in the city of Maktar. Last week, residents of Ouled Omar traveled almost 50 kilometers to protest outside governorate offices, demanding a paved road and access to clean water.
The village’s isolation is further deepened by the decrepit state of the only road that leads to it. Some villagers have been forced to move to urban areas or even abroad due to the lack of basic amenities. According to the Tunisian Forum for Economic and Social Rights, around 300,000 people in Tunisia have no access to drinking water in their homes. Ounissa’s cousin, Djamila Mazhoud, shared that her son and two daughters had all left in search of better lives, leaving the elderly feeling abandoned.
The situation in Ouled Omar highlights the urgent need for action to address water scarcity in Tunisia. The government must prioritize infrastructure development, including the construction of roads and access to clean water sources. Additionally, efforts should be made to educate and raise awareness about water conservation practices among the population.
Tunisia’s water crisis is a stark reminder of the impact of climate change and the need for sustainable water management strategies. It is crucial for governments and international organizations to work together to find long-term solutions to ensure access to clean water for all communities, especially those in remote areas facing extreme water scarcity.
As the country continues to face its worst water scarcity in years, the plight of villagers like Ounissa Mazhoud serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for action. The time to address this crisis is now, before it worsens and further threatens the livelihoods and well-being of Tunisia’s population.