Rehabilitation and Integration of Residential Neighborhoods: A 1465 Million Dinar Program
Mehdi Bouaziz, Deputy Director of the Management Control Department at the Agency for Urban Rehabilitation and Renovation (ARRU), under the Ministry of Equipment and Housing, announced that the allocated budget for the rehabilitation and integration program of residential neighborhoods (popular cities) amounts to 1465 million dinars (MDT).
Program Implementation
This program is implemented through two mechanisms: the first-generation mechanism, launched in 2012, and the second-generation mechanism, adopted following the positive results of the first phase. During his appearance on National Radio on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, Mehdi Bouaziz specified that the rehabilitation work of 152 neighborhoods has been completed, and work is currently ongoing in three neighborhoods.
Program Scope and Objectives
The program also plans to rehabilitate 160 neighborhoods across 99 municipalities nationwide, affecting over 900,000 inhabitants. Work has been completed in 27 neighborhoods, with more than 50 currently under construction, and the rest are either in the study phase or in the process of designating companies. The second generation of the program includes the development of affordable and easily accessible social housing lots adjacent to the rehabilitated neighborhoods.
Selection Criteria and Rehabilitation Work
Bouaziz explained that the selection of neighborhoods is based on precise criteria and is the result of a diagnostic study conducted by the Agency for Urban Rehabilitation and Renovation. The rehabilitation and integration work encompasses infrastructure, public lighting, as well as the creation of green spaces and recreational, sports, and youth areas in certain neighborhoods.
Coordination and Municipal Involvement
Mehdi Bouaziz revealed that efforts are currently being made to improve several aspects to ensure a comprehensive intervention. This involves better coordination between all intervening structures (ONAS, SONEDE, etc.), as there are sometimes differences in priorities and programs between these stakeholders. Finally, Mr. Bouaziz emphasized the crucial role of municipalities in maintaining and monitoring these neighborhoods once the rehabilitation work is completed.
