Tunisia: €154 million from FEMIP for energy production and environmental protection

Contracts for European Investment Bank (EIB) loans totalling €154 million for energy production and environmental protection in Tunisia were signed on 15th December 2006. €40 million is to be lent to Office National d'Assainissement (ONAS) to finance investment in wastewater collection networks and treatment plants in various cities in Tunisia in accordance with its 2006-2010 investment programme. The schemes supported by this loan are located in the following cities: Tunis, Hammamet, Kerkennah, Mahdia, Gabès, Médenine, Tataouine and Gafsa. The project will help to improve the quality of the service and living conditions for the inhabitants of Greater Tunis and a number of inland cities. It will also provide access to the sewerage system for a population of some 280 000, including 40 000 residents of the suburban areas of Greater Tunis who were not previously served. This loan attracts an interest rate subsidy financed from European Union budgetary resources, earmarked for environmental projects.