Response to Controversy Over High Cost of University Dormitory Wall Renovation in Kasserine
The governorate of Kasserine published an explanatory statement on Wednesday evening, October 8, 2025, in response to the controversy surrounding the high cost of renovating the wall of the university dormitory, which exceeded 4.4 million dinars. The statement clarifies that the intervention was not merely cosmetic, but rather an urgent and complex engineering operation aimed at countering an active and dangerous landslide that directly threatened the safety of students housed on the site and users of National Road No. 17.
Complex Project with Multiple Technical Components
According to the statement, the project did not simply involve building a wall, but rather a complete reconstruction of the foundations to stabilize a high-risk area prone to collapse. Temporary solutions previously implemented proved ineffective against the constant soil movements, making it essential to implement a durable technical device.
The construction site included:
- The construction of a 7-meter high and 194-meter long reinforced concrete retaining wall
- The installation of continuous deep foundations along the entire length of the structure
- Protection work during the entire construction phase
- External development of pedestrian paths, parking lots, and surrounding areas
- Installation of internal and external rainwater drainage networks
- Earthworks (excavation and backfilling)
- Construction of an upper wall along National Road No. 17
Project Prepared Since 2022 with Complete Technical Validation
The project study began in 2022, involving:
- The use of specialized engineers (structures and roads)
- The development of two technical scenarios to stabilize the terrain
- Validation of the chosen solution by the Ministry of Higher Education
- Preparation of the tender dossier, in accordance with regulatory technical steps and approved by the competent authorities in civil building
- Publication of the tender on the TUNEPS public procurement platform
- Final approval of the study by an accredited technical control office
Prioritizing Human Life Safety
The governorate emphasizes that the high cost of the project is justified by the preventive, technical, and strategic nature of the intervention. It was a matter of protecting human lives, particularly those of students residing on site, and preserving public infrastructure, including a heavily used national road axis.
"This project is not limited to building a simple wall, but represents a structural and preventive investment in the face of a real danger," the statement concludes.
