On Thursday, the Libyan Parliament-designated Prime Minister, Osama Hammad held a pivotal meeting with representatives of leading foreign companies from Arabia, Europe, and Asia.
The meeting’s primary agenda centered on the pressing issue of reconstructing the Wadi Derna dams, which suffered considerable damage. Hammad emphasized the importance of employing modern, scientific, and technical approaches to ensure the city’s safety, and the well-being of its residents.
He presented detailed geographic and geological maps of the valley and the city, outlining the challenges and potential solutions for the area’s reconstruction.
The discussions delved into the best construction and engineering solutions, that align with the unique landscape and needs of Derna.
Highlighting the government’s commitment, Hammad stressed the ongoing efforts by the Libyan Parliament and the Libyan National Army (LNA) in Derna. Their consistent focus and regular inspections of the city underscore their dedication to overseeing the reconstruction processes, including debris removal, maintenance, and urban development. These efforts are crucial for the city’s resurgence and the long-term stability of the region.
The meeting was attended by notable figures, including Hatem Al-Oraibi, the Head of the Reconstruction and Stabilization Committee, Belqasim Khalifa Haftar, the political advisor to the LNA; Abdul Basit Abu Ghraisa, Commander of the Derna Military Zone; and Colonel Mohammed Rafallah, Commander of the 166th Infantry Brigade in Derna.
This meeting marks a critical step in the collaborative efforts between the Libyan government, and international partners to rebuild and rejuvenate Derna.
The involvement of global firms in the city’s redevelopment reflects the international community’s interest in Libya’s stability, and progress. As Derna looks towards a future of recovery and growth, these discussions lay the groundwork for comprehensive and sustainable reconstruction initiatives.
In the wake of storm Danie, which struck northeastern Libya on 10 September, the city of Derna experienced catastrophic flooding, resulting in a significant humanitarian crisis. The IOM has been actively involved in relief efforts, distributing non-food items to nearly 3,000 migrants affected by the floods. However, the scale of the disaster is immense, with reports indicating that more than 30,000 people have been displaced.
The flooding has led to a staggering death toll, with conflicting reports on the exact numbers. The Libyan Red Crescent reported that 11,300 people died in Derna alone, while the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 4,345 deaths and more than 8,500 missing as of 12 October. The UN system has responded by providing aid, and deploying a disaster assessment team to support government response and relief operations.