Sidi Salem beach: The sea is not a dumping ground, it is our responsibility

The Sidi Salem beach in Bizerte, Tunisia, once a place for relaxation, now symbolizes a critical issue regarding public health and environmental responsibility. Recent water sampling conducted on July 15, 2026, by the Bizerta Maritime Association has revealed alarming contamination levels. The tests detected pathogenic bacteria, including Salmonella at 3,000 UFC/mL and intestinal streptococci at 11,000 UFC/mL.

These figures significantly surpass the safety thresholds set by the World Health Organization and the European Union. The WHO standards require the complete absence of Salmonella and strict limits for enterococci. Based on European classification, Sidi Salem would be categorized as "poor," necessitating an immediate ban on swimming. The persistent presence of these bacteria points to a failure in monitoring, transparency, and political will from Tunisian authorities, despite having clear regulatory frameworks inspired by international directives.

The article argues that ignoring the problem exposes families to infections and damages the local ecosystem. It urges authorities to take immediate action: ban swimming, clearly inform the public, and conduct weekly analyses. Furthermore, it calls for strict control over urban and industrial discharges, with penalties for offenders, and sustainable investment in modernizing wastewater treatment plants and restoring the coastline, coupled with public transparency on results.

The sea's condition is presented as a mirror of collective choices. Polluting it leads to disease, while protecting it offers health and a sustainable future. The contamination at Sidi Salem is not an inevitable fate but a stark warning sign. The article concludes by framing the situation as a credibility test for Tunisia's institutions, questioning whether they will act as guardians of their environment or accomplices in its degradation.