The Al-Bakur Bridge, a vital link between the coastal road from Benghazi to Al Marj and the Green Mountain areas, has officially reopened following comprehensive renovation and development works.
The reopening ceremony was attended by Osama Hammad, the Prime Minister appointed by the Libyan House of Representatives, along with Belqasim Khalifa, General Director of the Development and Reconstruction Fund.
The renovation of Al-Bakur Bridge included extensive resurfacing, planning, installation of safety barriers, and the fitting of new lighting networks. These works were carried out by a government-contracted company under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport and Communications.
Modern engineering techniques were employed to strengthen the bridge structure, considering weather conditions and heavy load requirements.
The reopening of the Al-Bakur Bridge is expected to significantly improve connectivity and transportation between Benghazi and the surrounding regions, facilitating economic growth and development in eastern 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.