Following widespread reports on social media concerning the partial collapse of a ceiling in a building at the Faculty of Sciences in Sfax, the administration of the institution issued an official statement providing clarifications on the circumstances of the incident and the measures taken.
According to the statement from the dean of the faculty, the administration immediately noticed a crack in the ceiling of a lecture hall, leading to the preventive closure of the affected room as well as the room directly above it.
The technical team from the University of Sfax, notified without delay, went to the site to conduct a structural inspection. During this inspection, a piece of plaster and part of the brick detached, confirming the need for urgent intervention.
In-Depth Inspection and Preventive Closure
A broader inspection was carried out by the university’s technical staff, the dean, the head of the construction department, two teachers, and maintenance staff to evaluate the condition of all the classrooms on the ground floor and first floor.
An inspection report was drawn up, leading to the immediate closure of all classrooms identified as having structural risks.
Alert to the Relevant Authorities
Following this, the University of Sfax officially contacted the governorate as well as the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, requesting the implementation of necessary measures to repair the damage and ensure the safety of users.
Two photos showing the ceiling before and after the stabilisation intervention were shared to counter rumours and exaggerations circulating online.
Therefore, this incident, which did not result in any injuries, reignites the debate on the state of university infrastructure in Tunisia and raises the broader issue of preventive maintenance in public institutions.