FOR BETTER GOVERNANCE OF DRINKING WATER IN TUNISIAN RURAL AREAS

Abstract

Water is a vital resource, irreplaceable and indispensable for human survival and growth of the population. However, the risk of its shortage presents the greatest threat weighing on the world. That’s why the problem of its good management is in the heart of the sustainable development of countries in arid regions. Concerning Tunisia, the state has made significant efforts to ensure the supply of all social slices with drinking water. The urban environment is fully serviced by SONEDE (National company of exploitation and distribution of drinking water). In rural areas, about 1350 Agricultural Development Groups (ADG) have completed the SONEDE’s activity. These ADG are responsible for the management of Drinking Water Systems made by Rural Engineering Services (DWS) and have the support of the state in the various activities they provide (water sales, servicing and maintenance of DWS, etc.). However, despite efforts by the State to capacity building of ADG, management of DWS is satisfactory for only 20% of the DWS. Thus, new questions have been developed on the local governance of drinking water in rural areas and the steps that should be taken to improve this process and to increase the supply of the rural population in water of good quality and in eligible costs for the community.