Sejnane (Bizerte governorate), Tunisia, 13 May 2026 — UN-Habitat launches “Sejnane in Action: Citizens and Municipality Together for Clean Water and Zero Waste”, implemented in partnership with the Municipality of Sejnane and with the financial support of the Government of Japan.

Funded by the Government of Japan with a contribution of USD 1,066,666, the project aims to promote sustainable and inclusive local development by improving access to clean water, strengthening sanitation systems, and enhancing solid waste management through active collaboration between the Municipality of Sejnane and local communities.

Located in northern Tunisia, Sejnane faces persistent challenges related to water access, sanitation infrastructure, and waste management, exacerbated by rapid population growth, climate variability, and limited institutional capacity. Despite its significant natural and cultural assets, these constraints have hindered development and affected the quality of life of residents.

The project adopts an integrated approach combining infrastructure improvements, innovative technologies, and strong community engagement. Key interventions include the installation of decentralized wastewater treatment systems, improved drinking water management and rainwater harvesting in public facilities and pilot households, as well as the preparation of a feasibility study and financing plan for a controlled landfill using the Fukuoka Method, a Japanese approach to environmentally sound waste management.

Community participation is central to the initiative. Through consultations, awareness campaigns, and the Waste Wise Cities Tool, the project seeks to strengthen shared responsibility between citizens and local authorities, promote waste separation at source, and establish a local network of environmental associations to ensure long-term sustainability.

The project is implemented in close coordination with the Municipality of Sejnane, the Ministry of Environment, relevant national agencies, and civil society actors, ensuring alignment with national strategies, including the National Water Strategy 2030 and the National Solid Waste Management Strategy. It also contributes directly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs 3, 6, 10, 11, and 13.

“I am very pleased that this project has been launched to address the urgent issues of water and waste management directly affecting the lives of residents in Sejnane City, in partnership with trusted organizations including UN-Habitat, the Ministry of the Environment, the Bizerte Governorate, ANGED, and civil society actors. This initiative, which incorporates Japanese technical expertise, will significantly contribute to the sustainable development of Sejnane City and will meet the aspirations of its citizens for a society where no one is left behind,” stated Mr. Saito Jun, Ambassador of Japan to Tunisia.

“This project, supported by the Government of Japan, will enable Sejnane city to improve access to clean water, strengthen sanitation systems, enhance solid waste management practices and achieve SDG 11 implementation at the local level,” stated Ms. Aida Robbana, Head of the UN-Habitat Tunisia Programme.

This project is implemented within the framework of cooperation between the Governments of Tunisia and Japan, carried out by UN-Habitat, and aligns with the outcomes of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), held from 20 to 22 August 2025 in Yokohama, Japan. It supports global and national efforts to promote innovative solutions for environmental protection, ecosystem preservation, and climate action.

Through Sejnane in Action, UN-Habitat and the Government of Japan reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing sustainable urban solutions, strengthening local governance, and improving living conditions for communities, ensuring that no city and no one is left behind.

Cover photo:  © UN-Habitat