Libya’s Tripoli based Minister of Housing and Construction, Issam al-Tamouni, speaking at a government press conference today admitted that "What has come to light (regarding Tuesday’s Tripoli flooding) is a painful reality and proof that some roads did not meet the required standards. We will launch a technical investigation, and we will not cover up its findings."
The Minister said within 72 hours, starting next Saturday, he will publish a public list of reparations with the names of all the affected homeowners, shops, and vehicles, and the status of each file.
He said he will start from next week to disburse the first instalment of compensation, which will be urgently for every family, house, shop and every vehicle that was damaged, until the full compensation is completed.
He said he has formed a working group to follow up on reparations in the affected municipalities, and within 30 days, the committee and the work team will publish a public report with photos and names on the roads that collapsed and the companies responsible for them.
Tuesday’s rain deluge
It will be recalled that Tuesday’s rain deluge that left roads, motorways, homes and commercial premises flooded. At least one person drowned. Many escaped with their lives from their floating cars or were saved by emergency services.
The downpour was extraordinary. About 152 mm of rain well in a day. This compares to Libya’s annual average of 200-400 mm and October’s average of 25-42 mm.
The effects were optically frightening sights of floating cars, people swimming for their lives and abodes and premises flooded with a thick residue of mud to clear up.
Flooded sections of roads and motorways are a regular occurrence in Libya. But the quantity of rain in such a short period of time tested the drainage system. The Libyan negative cultural trait of throwing rubbish onto the ground came home to roost as drains were blocked by rubbish – exacerbating the crisis. The famous Martyr Square was temporarily flooded.
However, by lunchtime the rains had moved on, the sun came out and Libya Herald was able to drive to most places in Tripoli unhindered. However, the usual blackspots were still flooded.
The authorities were out in force on the same day and most – but not all - of the mess caused by the floods and blocked drains were clear by yesterday.
Libya has had a tradition of flooding from the Italian colonial era. It continued under the Qaddafi regime and continues today post-Qaddafi.
The floods have reignited the annual debate about flooded roads and blocked rain drains. Many Libyans are complaining that with Libya’s oil wealth and in 2026 – this should not happen.
But it has and it is hoped that the government has taken onboard some lessons from yesterday. Climatic change is a present reality and Libyan governments must take that onboard.
Questions have also been asked about the design and workmanship of the latest road construction and maintenance projects under the current government. It is the ‘‘some roads did not meet the required standards. We will launch a technical investigation, and we will not cover up its findings.", that the Minister was referring to in his press conference today.
Tripoli Cleans Up Following Severe Flooding and Heavy Rainfall