Libya: UN warns of water supply catastrophe as transitional government is formed

The UN said that water shortages across Libya could leave millions with an "impending" disaster, as the country's warring sides formed a new government this week.

Its children's agency, Unicef, said more than four million people, including 1.5 million children, faced critical water shortages if “immediate solutions are not found and implemented”.

Libya’s crisis, which started a decade ago, has destroyed many of its water treatment plants, while those left are highly vulnerable to failure because of a lack of maintenance, Unicef said.

Vehicles of the "Tripoli Brigade", a militia loyal to the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA), parade through the Martyrs' Square at the centre of the GNA-held Libyan capital Tripoli on July 10, 2020. AFP

Fighters loyal to the Libyan internationally-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) are pictured near the frontline during clashes against forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar, on June 1, 2019, in al-Sawani area, south of the Libyan capital Tripoli. AFP

Members of the Tripoli Protection Force, an alliance of militias from the capital city, patrol an area south of the Libyan capital on January 18, 2019, during clashes with the Seventh Brigade group from the town of Tarhuna. Two days of clashes between rival militias near Libya's capital Tripoli have left 10 people dead and 41 wounded, the health ministry said on January 17. Fighting between armed groups erupted Wednesday despite a truce deal four months ago that had halted deadly battles in the city. AFP

Libyans demonstrate in a street in the capital Tripoli to demand the withdrawal of all armed militias from the capital on November 22, 2013. Residents of Libya's capital were turning out Friday to press militias remaining in the city to follow others and withdraw, aiming to keep up the momentum following deadly clashes last weekend. Many of the groups have long rejected government calls to lay down their arms or integrate into the armed forces, triggering the frustration of Libyans who once hailed them as heroes for toppling Kadhafi. AFP

“This is mainly attributed to the lack of required budgets for the purchase of equipment, operational materials and spare parts for regular maintenance," it said.

"Suppliers are also struggling to open bank credits in hard currency to import equipment from outside the country."

Libya has been torn apart by civil war since an uprising, which was later backed by Nato, removed dictator Muammar Qaddafi from power in 2011.

Since 2014, the country has been divided between two rival administrations that agreed on a ceasefire last October.

Unicef said most of the country's citizens used cesspits that polluted underground reserves.

Most waste water is emptied directly into the sea without any form of filtering, leading to more extensive pollution.

The country’s general company for water and wastewater was subject to “disastrous conditions” that resulted in losses of more than 50 per cent.

After UN-led talks in Geneva between the rivals, Mohamed Menfi was named as head of the Presidency Council of a new interim government, with Abdul Hamid Dbeibah as its prime minister.

In light of this progress, Unicef called on the Libyan government and international organisations to give priority to water, sanitation and hygiene.

“The urgent provision of necessary funds to carry out maintenance will ensure continuity of adequate water supply and sanitation services,” said Unicef's special representative in Libya, AbdulKadir Musse.

“Communities will be able to practise daily healthy hygiene to limit the transmission of the coronavirus, and thus avoid a humanitarian disaster that would impact more than four million people, including 1.5 million children.”

SERIES SCHEDULE

First Test, Galle International Stadium
July 26-30
Second Test, Sinhalese Sports Club Ground
August 3-7
Third Test, Pallekele International Stadium
August 12-16
First ODI, Rangiri Dambulla Stadium
August 20
Second ODI, Pallekele International Stadium
August 24
Third ODI, Pallekele International Stadium
August 27
Fourth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
August 31
Fifth ODI, R Premadasa Stadium
September 3
T20, R Premadasa Stadium
September 6

COMPANY%20PROFILE

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Mumbai Indians 213/6 (20 ov)

Royal Challengers Bangalore 167/8 (20 ov)

What is Reform?

Reform is a right-wing, populist party led by Nigel Farage, a former MEP who won a seat in the House of Commons last year at his eighth attempt and a prominent figure in the campaign for the UK to leave the European Union.

It was founded in 2018 and originally called the Brexit Party.

Many of its members previously belonged to UKIP or the mainstream Conservatives.

After Brexit took place, the party focused on the reformation of British democracy.

Former Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson became its first MP after defecting in March 2024.

The party gained support from Elon Musk, and had hoped the tech billionaire would make a £100m donation. However, Mr Musk changed his mind and called for Mr Farage to step down as leader in a row involving the US tycoon's support for far-right figurehead Tommy Robinson who is in prison for contempt of court.

The%20specs

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Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)

THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS

Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.

Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.

Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.