Abdulhamid Dbeibeh, the outgoing Prime Minister of Libya’s Government of National Unity, has pointed out that Libya has not engaged in any significant urban planning projects since 2004. During his participation in a workshop organized by the Urban Planning Authority on Sunday, Dbeibeh emphasized that his administration would not overlook urban planning, making it a priority in the developmental agenda for the upcoming phase.
Dbeibeh highlighted the need for collaboration with the Ministries of Higher Education and Scientific Research to initiate urban planning departments within engineering faculties. This move is aimed at addressing the country’s urban challenges and ensuring that the Authority’s staff are equipped with the necessary technical training to meet the developmental goals.
Additionally, Dbeibeh toured the Urban Planning Authority headquarters accompanied by ministers of Housing, Utilities, Planning, Local Governance, and the State Minister for Cabinet Affairs, along with directors of development and administrative center development agencies. The tour underscored the commitment to advancing housing, utilities, and transportation projects.
Libya has been navigating a complex phase of reconstruction and development amidst political instability. The country’s efforts to stabilize and grow have been hindered by continuous political fragmentation and economic disruptions. Despite Libya’s significant oil reserves, which are crucial for its economy, frequent conflicts have severely limited oil production, which is central to the national revenue. The political landscape remains divided, with no consensus on a constitutional framework that would facilitate elections and restore a unified government.
In addition to political struggles, Libya faces environmental and humanitarian challenges. The country has been dealing with the aftermath of catastrophic floods, further complicating its recovery efforts. These disasters have prompted the need for comprehensive assessments to guide recovery and reconstruction efforts, focusing on both infrastructure and community support.
Moreover, the international community, including nations like Egypt and organizations like the UN and the World Bank, have been actively involved in Libya’s recovery. Egyptian companies, for example, are looking to contribute to Libya’s reconstruction by exporting building materials and expertise in developing urban projects. This collaboration highlights the regional and international stake in Libya’s stability, which has implications for economic and security concerns across the Mediterranean and Saharan regions.
Efforts from the United States have also been significant, with strategies aimed at preventing conflict and promoting stability. These efforts are focused on addressing the root causes of instability, facilitating political reconciliation, and supporting economic recovery, which are critical for the country’s long-term stability.
