Introduction

This section is the city profile for Bizerte. The profile attempts to present the most important information about Bizerte and the ASToN project, drawing on information gathered through a questionnaire and four telephone interviews.

About the city

The city of Bizerte lies 65 km north of the capital of Tunisia, Tunis, and 15 km from the northernmost tip of Africa. As one of the country’s oldest inhabited cities, it has long occupied a strategically important position, and has developed an advanced industry of naval construction and repair. Nearby the city is the island of Jalta and the White Cape, both spots of outstanding natural beauty, as well as the lakes of Bizerte, Ichkeul and Ghar El Melh. The city has an old port and a movable bridge which connects the two banks of the Bizerte Canal.

About the ASToN member

The ASToN member is the Municipality of Bizerte. The Municipality of Bizerte is responsible for activities related to civil status, health, the environment and cleanliness, regional planning and local works, social affairs, human resources, and the collection of local taxes. Its remit has grown since the introduction of the Tunisian Constitution of 2014, which emphasised greater decentralisation and increased citizen participation.

The municipal council is the executive body of the Municipality of Bizerte. It is composed of 36 elected councillors (the last election having occurred in May 2018). The council makes decisions that it believes will improve the quality of life of citizens, are gender equal, and are made with a sustainable development approach at its core.