Tunisia Gets $332M to Bring Clean Water to Millions

More than 2 million people in Tunisia are about to get safer, more reliable access to clean water thanks to a $332.5 million investment approved by the World Bank this week.

The funding splits into two projects designed to solve Tunisia's growing water crisis from both ends. One focuses on getting clean drinking water to cities and towns, while the other helps farmers grow food more efficiently with less water.

The drinking water project puts $208.5 million toward expanding a seawater desalination plant in Gabès to double its output. Communities in three southern regions will get cleaner, more consistent water service. The project also includes installing 100,000 smart meters to detect leaks and reduce water waste in several cities.

Nearly 224,000 people will gain continuous water supply for the first time. Another 440,000 residents will see their water quality improve significantly.

The second project invests $124 million in helping farmers in four northern regions grow crops with better irrigation systems. It targets areas in Jendouba, Béja, Bizerte, and Siliana where aging infrastructure wastes precious water. Farmers will also get training on climate-smart farming techniques and help connecting to better markets for their crops.

About 4,000 farmers will see direct improvements to their irrigation service. Another 9,000 will benefit from agricultural training and market access support.

The Ripple Effect

The jobs impact reaches far beyond the water taps and farm fields. Construction and installation work will create 13,000 temporary jobs, while ongoing operations and maintenance will support 4,000 permanent positions across Tunisia.

This first phase launches a 10-year, $700 million program that will eventually expand to sanitation and wastewater treatment. By building in phases, Tunisia can test what works and scale up successful approaches over time.

The timing matters deeply for a country facing mounting climate pressures. Tunisia has experienced increasingly severe droughts that threaten both urban water supplies and the agricultural jobs that support rural communities.

World Bank Country Manager Alexandre Arrobbio called the multi-phase approach a way to deliver "comprehensive, lasting water security for Tunisia" by mobilizing global expertise and diverse funding tools.

The projects start addressing urgent needs now while laying groundwork for longer-term water resilience as climate change makes water scarcity more severe.