Written by: Huda El-Ghitany
As winter approaches, signs of unstable weather have begun to emerge, accompanied by warnings of possible rainfall in several regions reviving public concerns over the annual crisis of flooding and waterlogged streets.
Early Coordination with Meteorology
In anticipation of the season, Acting Minister of Local Governance in the Government of National Unity, Abdel Shafi Al-Juwaifi, chaired an emergency meeting of the National Emergency Committee to coordinate early preparations for winter and implement preventive measures against the expected impact of rainfall and weather fluctuations.
Al-Juwaifi emphasized the importance of strengthening coordination with the National Meteorological Center to receive timely forecasts, allowing sufficient time to respond effectively. He urged the committee to take proactive steps, including field visits to dams to assess their technical condition and ensure that valley paths are clear of debris that could obstruct water flow.
He also stressed the need for municipalities to monitor valley conditions, noting their essential role in reporting violations and irregularities.
Dams Under Review
In a related move, Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh recently reviewed the status of the country’s 16 dams as part of preparations for the rainy season. During a meeting with representatives from relevant ministries and agencies, the General Services Company presented its efforts to clean major valley channels, particularly Wadi Al-Majanin, Wadi Al-Rabee, and Al-Shiyab in Qasr Bin Ghashir, to ensure smooth water flow and prevent damage to infrastructure and property.
The Agricultural Police Authority submitted a detailed report on encroachments within valley zones and the spread of informal construction, identifying affected sites and offering recommendations for resolution.
Al-Juwaifi reiterated the importance of coordination between municipalities and executive bodies to oversee regular maintenance of valley channels and dams. The Deputy Minister of Water Resources noted that the ministry is developing a management plan for dams and valleys, including urgent maintenance programs to ensure readiness.
Dbeibeh concluded the meeting by stressing the need to curb violations and refer offenders to the relevant authorities, affirming that protecting dams and water channels is a top priority for citizen safety and water resource security.
Nationwide Cleaning Campaigns
Separately, the General Company for Water and Sanitation announced the launch of its seasonal campaign to clean and prepare the rainwater drainage system for the 2025/2026 season. The campaign targets areas with existing infrastructure and uses mobile pumps and suction tanks in underdeveloped zones.
The effort spans all operational and maintenance departments under the company, including Tripoli, Western Region, Western Mountain, Central Region, Central East, Benghazi Plain, and Green Mountain.
In Misrata, the local water and sanitation company launched its own seasonal campaign to clean and maintain the rainwater drainage network, aiming to service over 11,000 drainage chambers across the municipality to improve efficiency and reduce water accumulation in streets and residential areas.
Recurring Flooding and Public Frustration
Despite these preparations, citizens across various regions continue to suffer from flooded streets during heavy rains or valley overflows. Last year, vast areas in western and northern Libya turned into lakes, with dozens of vehicles submerged.
Local emergency teams, including the Red Crescent, rushed to assist stranded families. Mohamed Ismail, Chairman of the General Services Company, commented that the record rainfall exceeded the capacity of the drainage and sewage systems.
Between the repeated annual suffering and official promises of readiness, citizens are left wondering: will this year be different, or will the same flood-related crises return once again?
