Secretary of State in charge of Water Resources, Ridha Gabouj, called for the need to take collective decisions that would guarantee the sustainability of water resources and preserve the pace of investments in the agricultural sector in the region of Kebili.

During a working meeting held Thursday in the governorate of Kebili, Gabouj said that the rate of exploitation of non-renewable or little renewable water resources in the governorate of Kebili exceeds 270%, which has contributed to the sharp increase in the salinity rate of these waters to reach 7 grammes per litre, in addition to the drastic decline of the water table.

These indicators, Gabouj stressed, are both alarming and dangerous and require collective action to stop the depletion of these water tables, which will have very dangerous consequences.

In the same context, he recommended adopting participatory solutions around which a clear and rapid work plan should be implemented.

The official also mentioned the importance of integrating all conventional and non-conventional water resources into the water equation in order to achieve integrated and efficient management of these resources.

Regarding the rainfall recorded in May, the Secretary of State said that they have collected 40 million m3, indicating that the filling rate of dams amounts to 30.2%, which can not guarantee the necessary supply quantities of water resources, although they are important enough for vegetation cover and dry agriculture.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse