The National Company for Water Exploitation and Distribution (SONEDE) has announced disruptions and interruptions to drinking water supply in several areas of the Medenine, Tataouine and Gabès governorates, starting Wednesday, September 30, 2026 at 6:00 PM.
Key Points
• Start of disturbances: Wednesday, September 30 at 6:00 PM.
• Governorates affected: Medenine, Tataouine and Gabès.
• Cause: preventive maintenance works at the Zarat seawater desalination plant.
• The high-altitude areas and those at the ends of the distribution networks will be particularly affected.
• Gradual resumption of supply expected starting Thursday, October 1 at 10:00 PM.
Works at the Zarat desalination plant
According to the notice published by SONEDE, these disturbances are linked to preventive maintenance works necessary at the Zarat seawater desalination plant, scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
The company specifies that a disruption and an interruption in drinking water supply will be recorded from 6:00 PM in several areas of the three governorates concerned.
Areas affected in Medenine
In the Medenine Governorate, disturbances will notably affect the following delegations :
- Medenine North;
- Medenine South;
- Zarzis;
- Ben Guerdane;
- Sidi Makhlouf.
Areas affected in Tataouine
In the Tataouine Governorate, the following areas are affected:
- Tataouine North;
- Tataouine South;
- Ghomrassen.
Areas affected in Gabès
In the Gabès Governorate, the disruptions will affect:
- the city of Gabès;
- the Mareth delegation;
- the Gabès Sud delegation.
Areas at higher elevations particularly affected
SONEDE specifies that disruptions will notably affect areas located at higher elevations as well as those at the ends of the distribution networks.
Gradual return of water from October 1
Maintenance work will continue without interruption until completion, according to SONEDE.
The resumption of drinking water supply is planned gradually starting Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 22:00, after the end of the works.
