Sousse desalination plant nears completion, promising end to water cuts

Residents of Tunisia's Sahel region can anticipate an end to water supply disruptions as the Sousse desalination plant prepares for full operation. The president-director general of the national water distribution utility, SONEDE, announced that the strategic infrastructure is in its final testing phase and will be commissioned no later than July 3.

Abdelhamid Monguelji revealed on Wednesday that the civil engineering and construction of the new seawater desalination plant are officially complete. He confirmed that the facility has been successfully connected to the national water grid. "The production schedule is now imminent," Monguelji stated, adding that the plant's valves are expected to open gradually by the end of June.

Technical teams are currently on-site finalizing startup protocols. Monguelji emphasized the rigorous calibration of the filtration membranes, a crucial step for ensuring water potability and the longevity of the equipment. He assured that all legal and regulatory deadlines will be met, with the contractually stipulated deadline for industrial operation set for July 3.

This new desalination plant is projected to provide lasting relief to local distribution networks. It will safeguard the governorate of Sousse and surrounding areas from repeated water cutoffs, particularly during periods of high demand in the upcoming summer season. The development marks a significant step towards securing the water supply for this vital coastal region.