The National Sanitation Utility (O.N.A.S.) has conducted a diagnosis of the activities likely to allow for the launch of spinning-off projects. The activities concern such areas as operation, works, studies, training and re-training, as well as the areas of administration and services. The initial programme comprises 46 projects distributed over the whole country, which are likely to provide not less than 262 steady jobs. Besides, it is worth pointing out that ONAS is currently examining 60 files submitted by applicants for setting up projects in the field of sanitation, of which seven application files by persons other than ONAS staff. 22 projects have obtained final approval; another 5 obtained preliminary approval, while 7 are in process of evaluation by the “Spinning-off Unit.”

Chronology of ONAS spinning-off process

Signature of the spinning-off projects establishment charter with the Ministry of Industry, Energy and SMEs;
Setting up the “Spinning-off Unit” within ONAS;
Setting up a Joint Fund for Placement in Development Capital;
Subscription to the capital of Joint Funds Management Company (SAGES);
Identifying a portfolio of projects to be implemented under “spinning-off” for the period 2006 – 2009, comprising 46 projects;
Initiating the feasibility study for several projects;
Organising information and dissemination days on ONAS “Spinning-off Programme”.

Expected results

Encouraging the developers, especially from among ONAS staff, wishing to set up projects, according to their speciality, and providing coaching to them;
Scaling up the number of contractor firms, especially in the field of operation of sanitation facilities;
Setting up small economic enterprises whose size and production capacity meet ONAS needs, especially in small and medium-sized towns;
Fostering competition, in view of its positive impact on prices;
Exporting technologies and expertise overseas, especially in the Maghreb countries.

Eligibility

Any executive or employee, from within or outside ONAS, meeting the following criteria:

Speciality and experience compatible with the activity of the project;
Readiness and motivation to receive additional training, if need be, in matter of project management;
Provision of self-financing of not less than 10% of the company capital.

Fields of activity

Operation: This field of activity comprises 24 projects and provides 126 jobs:

Operation and maintenance of pumping stations,
Operation and maintenance of wastewater treatment plants,
Network operation,
Valorisation of by-products (sludge) of the wastewater treatment plants,
Flushing and clearing of wadis and storm-water courses,
Control of industrial effluent.

Works: This field of activity comprises 9 projects and provides 87 jobs:

Steering of works projects,
Network rehabilitation and extension works.

Studies: This field of activity comprises 8 projects and provides 16 jobs:

Topographic studies,
Wastewater treatment plant construction and extension studies.

Training and re-training: This field of activity comprises 2 projects and provides 4 jobs:

Operation of facilities,
Supervision of projects,
Administrative and financial management.

Services: This field of activity comprises 4 projects and provides 26 jobs:

Supply of ONAS units and warehouses,
Inventory of sanitation facilities.

ONAS support

Sponsoring the project and provision of all necessary technical and logistic requirements to the developer throughout the preparation phase, as well as allowing the developer part-time release from duties in case he/she is a ONAS employee;
Bearing the costs of the technical-economic study,
Providing the developer with additional training in the field of administrative and financial management;
Support towards finalising the financing scheme;
Assistance in finalising the procedure for company establishment and obtaining financial and tax advantages;
Participation in the company capital via the Joint Fund;
Coaching and assisting the developer in the project post-operation phase.

Advantages

Access to the scheme of “Authorized Leave to Set up a Company”, for a one-year time-period, renewable once;
Access to the financial, tax and social incentives and advantages pertaining in project set up;
Possibility to enter into a direct contract with ONAS, with a maximum of one thousand TND/ year, for a two-year time-period;
Participation by the Joint Fund in the company capital;
Assistance to the management company in seeking the relevant funding for finalising the financing scheme, as well as provision of coaching and assistance in the project post-operation phase.

Procedures and regulations

1. The project developer must propose:

- either one of the projects envisioned by ONAS,
- or else submit a project concept if he/she has his/her own project.

2. Fill out the “Project Setup Form”, according to a dedicated form available at ONAS Regional Directorates or from ONAS web site www.onas.nat.tn, to be sent in a sealed envelope to the following address:

Office National de l’Assainissement (ONAS)
Cellule Essaimage
32, rue Hédi Nouira 1001 TUNIS

or to the e-mail address: cellule.essaimge@onas.nat.tn