The Derna Reconstruction Fund, dedicated to revitalizing Derna and other affected areas, has announced the immediate commencement of a significant housing project. This initiative will see the construction of 28 residential buildings, totaling 280 housing units at the Azouz site in Derna.
According to the Fund’s statement on their Facebook page, extensive field studies and a direct assessment of the population situation were conducted. These studies were a response to the severe damages caused by Hurricane Daniel in September last year, which significantly impacted the city’s infrastructure.
The evaluation highlighted the urgent need to replace lost homes and repair existing residential units at the western entrance of the city, commonly referred to as the “2000 housing units.”
The management of the Fund has decided to fast-track the construction project, which involves building five-story residential buildings at the former Azouz campsite. This project aims to bolster the Fund’s strategy in providing quality housing and service facilities to meet the city’s needs, aligning with Libya’s comprehensive standards of development and reconstruction.
The project will be carried out by a national company under the supervision of top engineers from Derna and direct monitoring from the Project Office of the Derna Reconstruction Fund.
This initiative underscores the Fund’s commitment to enhancing living conditions and supporting the recovery and development of Derna and other regions across Libya.
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.
