Refreshing News: Urban Renewal in Tunis
Among the refreshing news this summer is the completion of the renovation work on Barcelona Square and Mongi Bali Square, both adjacent to the central train station in Tunis. This achievement follows the renovation of Pasteur Square, located at the other end of the capital. There is no doubt that the authorities are making a visible effort to improve the quality of life for citizens by maintaining parks and public spaces, which offer not only aesthetic appeal but also meeting and leisure areas in a convivial atmosphere and a less polluted environment. Kudos to the authorities, and we hope they will continue in this vein, both in the capital and throughout the country.
A Promising Start to the New Season?
Yes and no. While these beautiful achievements are a positive step, I have been witnessing a different reality in my neighborhood, La Byrsa. For days, the sound of chainsaws has been echoing through the streets, responding to these accomplishments. Yes, even before the start of the new administrative season, and in blatant disregard for the regulations that prohibit noise pollution during siesta hours. What's going on?
No Precautions to Protect the Trees
It started with the "pruning" of young and beautiful cypress trees in front of the indoor sports hall and stadium, a complex that attracts athletes from the region all year round for training and competitions. Everyone knows the importance of vegetation in purifying the air we breathe, retaining dust, absorbing CO², and emitting oxygen. These six trees, planted about 15 years ago, were "cut back" and reduced to a quarter of their height, leaving them looking like mere bushes.
The Chainsaw's Destruction Continues
But the chainsaw's damage didn't stop there. On Independence Avenue, considered the main artery of the city, a beautiful row of ficus trees, in need of maintenance, had become an obstacle to pedestrian and vehicular traffic, obstructing visibility in the area. Without warning, the chainsaw was deployed to "trim" the trees, amputating their "overhangs" without any precautions to protect their survival or aesthetic appeal.
A Poor Carbon Footprint and Landscape
In terms of carbon footprint and landscape enhancement, the municipality of Carthage will certainly not win the award for the most efficient service to its citizens.
