Abdulwahab Al-Hajjam, the Mayor of Nalut highlighted pressing issues plaguing the city. A severe shortage of drinking water tops the list, with 80% of residents struggling due to limited water supply. This has resulted in exorbitant prices for water tanks, due to fuel shortages and soaring black market prices.
Nalut is located 276 kilometers southwest of the capital, Tripoli, which the Government of National Unity (GNU) controls.
Al-Hajjam criticized successive governments, asserting their failure to prioritize needs effectively. “Millions have been spent on cosmetic projects like public gardens while citizens suffer from a drastic lack of essential services, especially in healthcare. Hospitals lack necessary resources and medical staff, exacerbating the healthcare crisis,” he said.
Al-Hajjam emphasized “deliberate neglect and insufficient authority and budgets for municipalities. The allocated funds fall short of resolving accumulated problems, with a lack of genuine political will to combat corruption and misuse of public funds. Public services, particularly electricity, face recurrent disruptions, contributing to the city’s service deterioration.”
He underscored the municipal hospitals’ inability to deliver required healthcare services due to limited capacities. He also urged immediate action to enhance essential services, provide necessary resources for hospitals, and improve the overall municipal situation.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.