UPFI Sfax Taparura Project
Context and objectives
Following the clean-up of the northern coast of Sfax, Tunisia’s second biggest city, the project plans to restore its beaches and create 420 hectares of land to increase the size of the metropolitan area, for the benefit of its inhabitants and those of Greater Sfax.
The Taparura project is divided into two phases. The first one is the clean-up and restoration of Sfax’s northern coastline, and it has already been completed leading to the second phase of the project. This phase will initiate the modernisation of the area and the development of a new urban centre with basic facilities and infrastructure, so as to integrate it with the rest of the city of Sfax. It will include the construction of new housing, hotels, recreational areas, commercial activities and services, green spaces and public facilities, enabling it to receive about 50,000 residents and create new employment opportunities upon completion of the project.
This project aims to establish a harmony between the natural environment and economic development by providing a sustainable development dynamic that enhances the area’s economic attractiveness. The Technical Assistance phase for the preparation of the project was launched in June 2015 and will be concluded in 2016, after which time the implementation phase will begin.
Provide a sustainable development dynamic that enhances the area’s economic attractiveness.
Restore the beaches of Sfax and create 420 hectares of land to increase the size of the metropolitan area.
Construct new housing, hotels, recreational areas, green spaces and public facilities enabling Sfax to receive 50,000 more residents.
Location
Key figures
Implementation start date:
2018
Beneficiaries:
500K inh.
Total cost:
€400M
Land restored:
420 ha
Promoter
With a total project cost of €403.2 million, the Taparura Project is being developed by national and local authorities. The Tunisian State (Ministry of Equipment) is the main contractor and the Société d’Etude et d’Aménagement des Côtes Nord de la Ville de Sfax (SEACNVS), created in 1985, is the second main contractor, with responsibity for the research and implementation of the Project.
Key partners
European Commission (EC)
French Development Agency (AFD)
European Investment Bank (EIB)
Beneficiaries
Population of Sfax, which is around 500 000 inhabitants.
Key actions
The UPFI Sfax Taparura Project has four main actions that are based on a multistakeholder approach.
Building a mixed-use neighbourhood in 420 hectares of the coast, occupied before by phosphate industry.
Provides technical assistance designed to strengthen the institutional framework and decentralise cooperation in the metropolitan area (mainly through the participation of international partners, such as MedCities, on behalf of the cities of Barcelona and Marseille).
Covers a large urban area for restoration and infrastructural improvements, offering an integrated, sustainable and multidimensional approach to urban planning and allowing the city to receive about 50.000 new residents and create employment.
Expected results
Modernize the region by developing a new urban center allowing the expansion of the city.
Establishing the coexistence between the natural environment and economic development, by providing a sustainable development dynamic that enhances the area’s economic appeal.
Reconnect Sfax to its coastline.
