Tunisia Temporarily Seals River Mouth to Combat Industrial Pollution Near Beach

Tunisian authorities have taken drastic action to protect the upcoming tourist season by temporarily sealing off the mouth of the Oued Soltan river, which empties near the popular El Jahmi beach in Nabeul. This crisis measure aims to prevent toxic discharges from more than ten factories that have been polluting the coastline.

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This operation is the culmination of a long administrative and on-the-ground battle. The file required official alert reports sent directly to the government presidency and the Ministry of Agriculture.

The regional director of the Agency for the Protection and Development of the Coastline (APAL) in Nabeul, Karim Boulefa, stated that this operation is the culmination of a lengthy administrative and on-the-ground effort. Official alert reports were sent to the government presidency and the Ministry of Agriculture. The final decision was made during a crisis committee meeting involving health, agriculture, and municipal services.

Environmental inspections revealed that over ten industrial units in the area have been illegally discharging massive amounts of pollutants into the riverbed, posing a direct health risk to the public and marine life. Boulefa clarified that the damming of the river is a temporary, conservative measure, expected to last two to three months, to ensure a safe bathing environment for the thousands of expected visitors during the peak season.

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This closure by dam constitutes a conservative and temporary measure, planned for a duration of two to three months, to secure the bathing season.

While this technical solution does not resolve the underlying issue of industrial pollution in the region, it is considered an absolute emergency measure driven by the public interest. The authorities' sole priority for the coming weeks is to block toxic substances and minimize pollution levels during the busiest period for the beach.

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The sole priority of the authorities for the coming weeks remains to block toxic substances in order to reduce the pollution rate as much as possible during the peak attendance of the beach.