In response to some questions of MPs, Friday, Prime Minister Habib Essid said the controversy over the reality of Tunisia’s natural resources, particularly oil, has taken on broader dimensions, noting that the government has nothing to hide regarding this issue.

In case failures or corruption are found, they will be denounced and everyone involved will be held accountable, he told the House of People’s Representatives (HPR) after a hearing session on the government’s performance 100 days after taking office.

He noted that the campaign “winou El pétrole” began after the exploitation of two audit reports conducted by the Court of Auditors and the general control of the finances.

He added that a hearing session with the Minister of Industry, Energy and Mining by the Energy, Natural Resources and Environment Committee at the HPR will take place next Monday to submit the requested information and insights on the reality of the country’s natural resources.

About rising prices, he said that this issue is among the priorities of the government, adding that the inflation rate has decreased from 5.7% to 5.3% and calling this “a significant progress that needs to be strengthened.”

He spoke, in this context, of the issues of landfills of Borj Chakir and Djerba, saying the Ministry of Environment has started developing studies for new landfills that take into account environment protection conditions.

Regarding blocked projects, he said they have had an impact on the country’s financial balances as they are financed through foreign loans that have not been used to fund the implementation of projects.

On drinking water, the Prime Minister said the government is working to complete blocked projects in Jendouba and Bizerte, besides improving the situation of small farmers by providing them direct loans on favourable terms.

Source: Zawya