El Haouareb Dam, Dam and Ramsar site in Kairouan Governorate, Tunisia.
El Haouareb Dam is a water storage structure that crosses the Oued Merguellil stream and holds water for regional needs. The reservoir behind it plays an important role in managing water resources for the surrounding area.
The dam was built in the mid-1980s as part of Tunisia's efforts to improve water management and storage for agriculture and urban use. The project represented an important step forward in the country's water infrastructure development.
The area around the dam contains traces of ancient olive presses that speak to farming traditions spanning many centuries. These remains connect visitors to a time when the region was an important center for oil production.
The site is especially rich with migrating birds during winter months, making that the best time for observation and wildlife viewing. Visitors should plan their visit during the cooler season to experience this natural phenomenon.
The reservoir accumulates significant amounts of sediment each year from erosion in the surrounding area. This ongoing process demonstrates why the dam system requires regular monitoring and maintenance to remain effective.
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