The General Director of the Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund, Belqasim Haftar, signed several contracts today with the Egyptian company “Arab Contractors” to execute new projects in the cities of Tobruk, Al-Bayda, and Al-Mukhayli.
In a video statement released during the signing ceremony, Belqasim Haftar announced the signing of two contracts for the construction of bridges in Tobruk, highlighting that this is just the beginning, with additional infrastructure, roads, and construction projects in the pipeline.
Haftar also mentioned that a contract for the road connecting Tobruk and Imsaad is expected to be signed in the coming days, and there are ongoing studies to contract with multiple companies for the development of Libya’s eastern entrance.
He criticized previous government contracts with companies that proved incapable of delivering, noting that despite a two-year timeline, over a year had passed, and they had not completed even 30% of the work. Additionally, he pointed out that the quality standards being used by these companies were not up to the required specifications.
Haftar expressed his gratitude to the companies contributing to Libya’s reconstruction efforts in Benghazi and Derna. He also welcomed the involvement of major Egyptian companies with a proven track record of significant achievements in Egypt, affirming their competence and experience in undertaking new projects in 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.
