The installation of desalination stations in Tunisia is not an option but an obligation,” Houcine Rhili, a specialist in development and water resources, said on Monday, May 20, on a private radio station. He added what his coworkers and international reports continue to highlight: Tunisia is one of the countries most affected by climate change and water stress, and the country is working on a range of solutions.
However, in some respects, the cure is worse than the illness. The specialist mainly speaks about the environmental impact of desalination stations and their damage to the national economy. “The operation of desalination stations especially affects the salinity of seawater and maritime fauna. Aside from the harmful effects on the environment, this technique burns astronomical quantities of fossil fuels, while Tunisia is hit by a worsening energy deficit,” declared Mr Rhili.
The other pitfall: is the usage of treated wastewater in irrigation. He specified that Tunisia has 150 wastewater treatment plants, but barely 4% of their resources are directed towards farmers…
What's happening in Tunisia?
Subscribe to our Youtube channel for updates.
