By Christopher E. Martin
Residents of the region of Mornaguia (governorate of Manouba) have been protesting due to an interruption in their drinking water supply. An insufficient supply of drinking water is and has been a consistent problem in rural areas of Tunisia for years.
Like the marginalized citizens in the mining basin going thirsty while the never ending thirst of the mining company is quenched. Now, the major urban populous of Tunis, Sousse and others will soon experience a dry mouth due to a lack of drinking water.
The drinking water interruption in Mornaguia is due to another Tunisian government project gone bad. A tender winning contractor performing poorly with inadequate supervision by the responsible Ministry and government agencies. This catastrophe, however, is just one symptom exposing the true problems of an arid and drought prone climate, climate change and an incompetent, uncaring government.
As has been written about incessantly, Tunisia is one of the most water stressed countries in the world. According to the World Bank, Tunisia faces
absolute water scarcity with approximately 400 cubic meters of annual water supplies per person. Water stress is defined as less than 1700 cubic meters per person and water scarcity is less than 1000 cubic meters per person. It is very clear, Tunisians are facing a dire situation.
Learning from the mistakes of others can provide a less painful way of correcting problems before they get out of hand. The Republic of South Africa was repeatedly warned that Cape Town would run out of water if strategic government action were not implemented. The government ignored these warnings and in January of 2019, Cape Town South Africa effectively ran out of water. Citizens were put on emergency rations of 25 liters per person, per day.
Hotels, restaurants and most all other businesses were closed. Tourism and all economic activity stopped.
If you think the pandemic of COVID-19 caused an economic crisis, wait until all of Tunisia is put on water rations of 25 liters per person per day. Wake up Tunisia and demand immediate action from the do nothing government before everyone is literally dying of thirst.
