The European Investment Bank (EIB) is stepping up its support for the water sector in Tunisia with two new loans totalling €30 million – a €22 million finance contract signed with Société nationale d’exploitation et de distribution des eaux (Sonede) and an €8 million contract signed with the Republic of Tunisia. Both operations are backed by a guarantee from the European Commission and will help finalise a structural project for drinking water supply in Greater Tunis, the most densely populated region of the country which is faced with growing demand for water. The project includes the construction of a new treatment plant in Bejaoua, laying of water pipelines, installation of pumping stations and construction of reservoirs to serve the entire Greater Tunis region, including future development zones such as Tunis Financial Harbour. Faced with a projected 50% increase in demand by 2040, this investment meets a strategic need to strengthen water security in Greater Tunis. It will make a real contribution to providing a reliable and sustainable service in a region with high population growth, against the backdrop of increased pressure on water resources. The additional funding is co-financed equally with Agence française de développement (AFD) under the Mutual Reliance Initiative (MRI), a cooperation mechanism between European lenders. In addition, the EIB is launching a new strategic partnership with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for the benefit of the Office national de l’assainissement (ONAS), the public body responsible for managing sanitation services in Tunisia.

This partnership aims to promote nature-based solutions (NBS) in order to address water and climate change-related challenges. The study conducted in this framework will focus on the possibility of applying nature-based solutions in cities with fewer than 3 000 inhabitants. Its findings will provide the basis for an event in Tunis on 19 May, aimed at identifying a pilot project to be developed with the support of international partners. This study is in line with the EIB’s commitment to strengthening its dialogue with local civil society on projects with major environmental impact. A technical assistance contribution of €5 million financed by the European Union and implemented in partnership with the EIB will also help the Ministry of Economy and Planning to prepare a new generation of investment projects in the public sector. This assistance will aim to improve the quality, sustainability and resilience of future projects in key sectors for Tunisia’s long-term development. This perfectly illustrates the commitment of the European Union and the EIB to work closely with the Ministry of Economy and Planning on the implementation of priority investment projects for Tunisia.