Relocation of Low-Income Families: Main Obstacle to Demolition of Dilapidated Buildings in Tunisia
Representatives from the Ministry of State Domains and Land Affairs, audited by the Commission of Productive Sectors of the National Council of Regions and Districts (CNRD) on February 10, 2026, stated that the relocation of low-income families is the primary obstacle to the demolition of buildings at risk of collapse in Tunisia.
Intervention of the State Domains Department
The intervention of the State Domains Department is limited to buildings under its direct supervision, in accordance with Law No. 33 of 2024, which requires owners or tenants to report any danger. Municipalities must coordinate with regional technical commissions to decide on evacuation or demolition.
Demolition Procedure
"If the danger is proven, the decision to evacuate is made by the owner or, failing that, by the municipality, based on a report by an expert approved by the court, which decides on total or partial demolition. However, demolition decisions can be suspended and contested before the administrative court."
Delays in Evacuation Decisions
When questioned about delays in executing evacuation decisions, officials stated that while municipalities are responsible for coordinating technical assessments and work execution, they often face significant financial and social constraints, particularly the relocation of low-income families, pending the publication of regulatory texts governing this process.
Partnerships to Address Delays
To address these delays, projects to partner with real estate developers are being studied to ensure demolition, reconstruction, and priority relocation of occupants.
Foreign Properties
Regarding foreign properties dating back to the colonial era, officials clarified that these properties are governed by Law No. 61 of 1983 and, in some cases, by bilateral agreements, notably with France and Italy. While agricultural land was nationalized in 1964, residential buildings remain subject to specific legislation, including Law No. 39 of 1978, which grants a priority right to purchase to Tunisian tenants, with the state acting as an intermediary.
Illegal Constructions
Concerning homes built without legal title on state-owned land, the ministry stated that regularization is progressing gradually and that legislative reforms are underway to accelerate the integration of these neighborhoods into the economic circuit.
Digitization Project
A vast project to digitize state-owned movable and immovable property and create a digital map of state assets is underway to determine the real value of the state's heritage soon. This project is expected to facilitate more transparent and effective management of public assets.
