Tunisia’s Summer of Scarcity: A Crisis of Infrastructure and Governance

Tunisia has been plagued by a perfect storm of shortages this summer, with frequent water and power cuts leaving millions struggling to access basic necessities like clean water and electricity. The government attributes these disruptions to “deliberate acts of sabotage,” but it is clear that years of underinvestment in infrastructure are at the heart of the crisis.

The statistics on mineral water distribution are stark: 2.3 million bottles are being distributed daily in Tunis and its suburbs, a welcome relief for residents after a summer of near-impossible challenges. The Tunisian Electricity and Gas Society’s (STEG) temporary power cuts have added to the strain on the system, exacerbated by the need to run air conditioners and cater to tourists. Additionally, Tunisia’s National Company for Water Exploitation and Distribution (SONEDE) uses electric pumps in their water systems, highlighting the interdependence of electricity and water supply.

The human cost is equally significant. Long lines have formed outside shops and delivery points, with people waiting late into the night for a few bottles of water – often at inflated prices or through black marketeering. No region has been spared, from Sfax to tourist-packed coastal cities. The shortages have contributed to growing anger towards the government, perceived as either unable or unwilling to tackle the crisis.

Tunisians are now accustomed to building their schedules around water deliveries. Yassine, a resident of Jemmal, south of Monastir, described the chaos when water trucks arrive: “It’s absolute chaos… people fight for a few bottles, and some people end up without any.” Some shopkeepers have taken advantage of the situation by hoarding water and selling it at double the price. Those unable to afford even basic necessities are forced to drink from wells, often with poor quality water.

The economic impact is also being felt, particularly in Sfax, where 60% of Tunisia’s poultry production is based. Wadie Abdelmalek runs a farm with 30,000 chickens and has seen the devastating effects firsthand: “Everything in the building collapsed because of the heat… We’re losing thousands of birds each day.”

As temperatures soar to near 50°C, Tunisia’s infrastructure crisis has exposed deep-seated problems within its governance. Years of underinvestment have taken their toll, leaving the country vulnerable to such crises. The president’s claims of “deliberate and planned acts of sabotage” ring hollow against this backdrop.

This crisis raises serious questions about the government’s ability to manage basic services and invest in critical infrastructure. As temperatures continue to rise, so too will the pressure on Tunisia’s fragile economy. This is not just a summer of shortages; it’s a stark reminder that governance matters – and that ignoring these issues comes with far-reaching consequences.

The situation also highlights a broader pattern of neglect across North Africa. Other countries in the region are facing similar challenges: Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria have all struggled with power outages and water scarcity. This may be a sign of regional vulnerability or a wake-up call for policymakers to address infrastructure shortcomings.

Decisive action is needed to alleviate the immediate suffering and tackle the underlying causes of this crisis – years of underinvestment in infrastructure and governance failures. The stakes are high; the consequences of inaction will only exacerbate an already dire situation.

Tunisia’s summer may be over, but its crisis is far from resolved.