New asphyxiation cases reported at Habib Bourguiba College in Gabès
via Business News1 min read
New incidents of collective asphyxiation have been reported at Habib Bourguiba College in Gabès, raising concerns about air quality in the region. According to Stop Pollution, two separate episodes occurred within days, affecting a significant number of students. The first incident on April 18, 2026, involved about 20 students experiencing respiratory discomfort. A second, more alarming episode on April 22 affected over 40 students at the same institution. In both cases, students showed symptoms of asphyxiation and required immediate care. These events occur amid ongoing controversy surrounding the Tunisian Chemical Group, which has been frequently criticized for its environmental impact in the region. For several years, associations and residents have denounced polluting emissions from industrial facilities, suspected of degrading air quality and affecting public health. Despite calls for a thorough investigation and urgent measures to ensure a healthy environment in a region where ecological issues are particularly sensitive, official promises have not yet resulted in concrete action on the ground.
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The Tunisian Electricity and Gas Company Steg has published a technical framework on July 22, 2026, officially allowing the integration of battery energy storage systems BESS into low-voltage grid-connected photovoltaic installations. This development applies to both individuals and professionals with solar installations connected to the national grid, aiming to improve energy management. This move comes as Tunisia faces an exceptional heatwave, leading to record electricity consumption and repeated power outages due to the strain on a grid largely dependent on thermal power plants. Battery storage is seen as a way to enhance the resilience of photovoltaic installations and reduce reliance on the grid during peak demand or outages. The new framework recognizes the role of batteries in optimizing self-consumption and providing backup power when the grid is unavailable. Batteries can store energy produced during the day for use in the evening or during power interruptions, with the document also allowing for hybrid inverters. Strict technical requirements are in place, including international safety and performance standards for equipment and detailed technical documentation from installers. Special attention is given to fire prevention, ventilation, and cooling conditions. For systems exceeding 100 kWh, factory tests are required to ensure reliability. The framework also mandates compatibility between batteries and inverters and requires a Battery Management System BMS for con
The Tunisian Organization of Young Doctors OTJM has criticized the Ministry of Health's silence and "quasi-total absence" regarding the exceptional heatwave, repeated electricity cuts, and water supply disruptions affecting Tunisia. In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, the OTJM described the situation as a "real health crisis" and called for an urgent national mobilization by health authorities. The organization expressed regret over the lack of official communication on deaths or serious cases related to the high temperatures, stating that this absence of data goes against practices in other countries where health indicators are transparently published. The OTJM highlighted the particular vulnerability of patients dependent on home medical equipment, such as oxygen concentrators and ventilators, due to power outages. They also noted that the combination of record temperatures, water interruptions, and lack of air conditioning significantly increases risks for the elderly, chronically ill, outdoor workers, and vulnerable populations. The OTJM urged the Ministry of Health to convene a national meeting of health sector stakeholders to assess the situation and adopt a national intervention plan. They also called for a permanent national climate crisis management unit, a unified protocol for heat-related illnesses, and measures to ensure continuous electricity for patients with medical devices. Finally, the organization demanded an end to repeated electricity cuts a
The Tunisian Federation of Artisans and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises FTAPME has directly appealed to the President of the Republic, Kaïs Saïed, regarding the accumulation of crises affecting Tunisians' daily lives. While reaffirming its trust in Saïed, the organization issued a severe assessment of the situation and urged him to profoundly review government actions. In a communiqué published on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, the FTAPME stated that the country is not just beyond a critical threshold but is now "submerged" by difficulties. The federation, which has trusted Saïed since July 25, believes in his intentions to save the state, combat corruption, establish justice, and build a new Tunisia. However, it expressed "pain" and "fear for the country," feeling it necessary to convey the reality faced by citizens directly to the President. The FTAPME highlighted that after the COVID-19 pandemic, Tunisians now face a "new pandemic" of repeated electricity cuts, causing losses for citizens and businesses. These power outages have impacted economic activities, leading to merchandise losses, activity interruptions, and equipment damage. The President of the National Chamber of Restaurants, Islam Chaâbane, warned about the consequences for perishable goods requiring cold chain maintenance. The Confederation of Citizen Enterprises of Tunisia Conect also cautioned against the repercussions on production, productivity, competitiveness, and the investment climate. The FTAPME linked