In Tunisia, the already substantial number of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is managed by the Office National d’Assainissement (ONAS), which publishes the projects completed or underway on its website. AFD finances the implementation of various wastewater management programmes. However, to develop sanitation in rural areas (< 8 000 p.e.), ONAS was looking for support in choosing appropriate treatment technologies. This support included training in the types of Macrophyte processes included to meet the many different situations in these regions, particularly for capacities of between 5,000 and 8,000 p.e., and their specific territorial and institutional characteristics.

The design of the training course had to take these factors into account, as did the work of Tunisian research institutes, particularly on macrophyte processes.

The service commissioned by the AFD included the provision of training in the various treatment processes suitable for small communities in rural areas. This training required the mobilisation of an expert for 7 working days, including 2 days of preparation and a trip to Tunisia for 5 days of in situ training, including a field visit.