Waste, sewage, and blocked beaches anger Menzel Temime residents

Residents of the El Merigueb neighborhood in Menzel Temime, Nabeul Governorate, are raising alarms over a deteriorating environmental and sanitary situation. They cite the accumulation of household waste, untreated sewage discharging into the sea, and blocked access to the beach as critical issues demanding immediate government action.

Multiple residents have voiced their concerns to the TAP news agency, describing persistent foul odors from garbage and a proliferation of insects due to the waste. They fear this situation, exacerbated by the summer heat, poses a significant public health risk. Jamil Hajri, a local resident, stated that the problem has persisted for years despite numerous appeals to local authorities. "The mosquitoes, the flies attracted by the garbage and the polluted stagnant water of the wadi make the daily life of residents increasingly difficult," he said, adding that the situation also harms the region's image.

Aymen Hammam, president of the Menzel Temime Environmental Association, shares the residents' worries. He highlighted the dangers of illegal dumping sites and the direct discharge of dark, foul-smelling wastewater into the sea, affecting both locals and beachgoers. Hammam also noted that most beach access points remain blocked by sand from recent storms, complicating movement for residents and visitors.

The association is urging relevant authorities to initiate cleaning operations, eliminate waste black spots, treat the wastewater discharge, and reopen beach access. In response, Ghazi Hammar, secretary-general of the Menzel Temime municipality, assured TAP that municipal services are continuing their waste collection campaigns in El Merigueb and have recently installed new containers.

“

The mosquitoes, the flies attracted by the garbage and the polluted stagnant water of the wadi make the daily life of residents increasingly difficult.