The Zliten Municipality Mayor, Miftah Hamadi, stated that the groundwater level in the city has decreased but is expected to rise again by next November if the crisis is not addressed.
Hamadi mentioned in a press statement that due to limited resources, there are water pools inaccessible to them, and they continue to combat the insects that have spread due to the stagnant water.
He noted that the total number of families displaced from their homes due to the rise in water levels reached 90 families. Additionally, they provided rent allowances to affected families with limited efforts.
He concluded that approximately 55 families remain uninhabited due to lack of resources.
Earier this month, the Zliten Municipal Council announced an increase in the number of areas affected by the groundwater crisis within the municipality, with the count now at six regions.
Ismail Al-Jawasmi, the Director of the Media Office at Zliten Municipal Council stated, “we have observed a rise in groundwater levels in the Bazah and Al-Sheikh districts, bringing the total number of affected areas to six.” He highlighted the ongoing efforts to complete the water diversion project towards the sea, aiming to alleviate the impact of rising groundwater levels on the community.
In addition to water management efforts, Al-Jawasmi mentioned that the Electricity Company is actively rerouting both underground and overhead power lines to facilitate the water diversion process. This infrastructure adjustment is crucial for ensuring the smooth execution of the project and preventing further damage to the affected regions.
Al-Jawasmi concluded by addressing the displacement caused by the groundwater issue, stating, “we have successfully relocated 68 families whose homes were damaged, out of a total of 118 registered families requiring assistance.” This move is part of a broader initiative by the Zliten Municipal Council to provide immediate relief to those impacted by the groundwater crisis and to work towards long-term solutions to prevent future occurrences.
In February, the Libyan House of Representatives (HoR) declared the city of Zliten a disaster zone, allocating funds to address the crisis. The parliament-designated government is tasked with monitoring the situation in the city.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of the Parliament-designate government, Osama Hammad, declared a state of emergency in the city of Zliten due to a rise in groundwater levels on the surface.
