Tunisia Swelters Amidst Power Cuts Disrupting Water Supplies

Tunisia is enduring a severe heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 49.8 degrees Celsius (121.6 Fahrenheit) in Kairouan on August 27. This extreme heat has triggered power outages and water shortages across various regions, while medical professionals report a significant increase in emergency department admissions due to heat-related illnesses.

The disruptions to electricity and water are interconnected in some areas, though their causes are distinct.

Record Temperatures Grip Tunisia

The Tunisian Observatory for Weather and Climate reported that Kairouan reached 49.8°C on August 27, making it the second hottest location globally that day. Six Tunisian cities were among the top 20 hottest monitored worldwide. This reading neared Tunisia's all-time temperature record of 50.3°C set in August 2021. The intense heat drives up electricity consumption due to increased air conditioner use and exacerbates existing water scarcity issues.

Reasons for Electricity Cuts

The Tunisian Company of Electricity and Gas (STEG) has implemented rolling power cuts in multiple areas. The immediate strain on the electricity grid stems from unprecedented demand, particularly from air conditioning during the heatwave. STEG officials noted that electricity demand might have peaked at a record 6,000 megawatts in July. These cuts are intended to safeguard the stability and continuous operation of the electricity system.

Scope of Power Outages

The power interruptions have affected numerous regions throughout Tunisia. STEG is managing network pressure through temporary, varied outages to maintain system integrity.

Impact on Water Supplies

Many of Tunisia's water distribution networks rely on electrically powered pumping stations. When electricity fails, these stations cease functioning, disrupting water flow and availability. For instance, an electricity outage on August 24 halted the Kerker pumping station, impacting drinking water in the Mahdia and Sfax governorates, as reported by SONEDE. This highlights the direct link between power and water supply, though not all water shortages are solely due to power cuts.

Pre-existing Water Scarcity

Tunisia has long faced structural water scarcity and recurring droughts. The World Bank acknowledges the country's growing water challenges, supporting projects to enhance drinking water services. The current power cuts are compounding an existing water crisis rather than creating it from scratch. Water supply issues can arise from shortages, infrastructure failures, maintenance, or distribution problems.

Bottled Water Supply Issues

The heatwave and power disruptions have also affected bottled water availability. Power rationing has hampered factory production, while increased demand and shortages of raw plastic materials have further complicated the situation.

Consequences of Power Cuts for Households

During a heatwave, power outages mean more than just a loss of lights; they disable air conditioners, fans, refrigerators, and freezers, potentially leading to spoilage of perishable goods. Businesses face losses from damaged stock and operational halts. When power cuts affect water pumps, households experience a double disruption: lack of electricity and unreliable water access.

Strain on Hospitals

Emergency departments are under immense pressure due to the heat. The Tunisian Organization of Young Doctors reported an "unprecedented" surge in heatstroke-related deaths and hospital admissions, urging the government to declare a health emergency. While the Ministry of Health has recorded numerous heatwave-related medical cases, it has not released an official nationwide death toll.

Challenges for Patients Needing Electricity

Power cuts pose significant risks for individuals relying on electricity-dependent medical equipment at home, such as oxygen concentrators. While reports of difficulties exist, direct fatalities attributed to power outages require official confirmation. There is currently insufficient evidence to confirm widespread surgical cancellations due to electricity cuts.

Interplay of Heat and Infrastructure Issues

While the extreme heat has significantly increased electricity demand, leading to network strain, Tunisia's water problems are rooted in long-standing scarcity and infrastructure challenges. Power cuts can disrupt water systems, but the underlying water crisis is a broader, long-term issue.

Presidential Perspective on Disruptions

President Kais Saied has suggested that some disruptions are due to "deliberate acts of sabotage" aimed at causing unrest, rather than mere technical failures. However, documented technical explanations, such as STEG's rotational cuts for grid stability and SONEDE's report on a pumping station outage, provide alternative causes for at least some of the problems.

Political Dimensions of the Crisis

The recurring electricity and water interruptions have fueled public discontent, becoming a focal point for protests against the government. Demonstrations have demanded better access to essential services, alongside concerns about living costs and political freedoms. For citizens, the immediate impact is the loss of essential services, while for some patients, it can be a matter of life and death.

Outlook Amidst Continued Heat

As high temperatures persist, electricity demand is expected to remain elevated, continuing to stress the power grid. Further outages could exacerbate water supply issues, impact refrigeration, and endanger patients reliant on medical equipment. The crisis underscores the interconnectedness of Tunisia's electricity and water systems, while also highlighting the distinct nature of the long-standing water crisis stemming from scarcity and infrastructure deficiencies.