Rédaction Africa Links 24 with H Mohammed
Published on 2024-03-17 16:37:35
Officials from the Derna Reconstruction Fund recently held a meeting with representatives from the French company SIDEM to discuss the repair and restoration of Derna’s seawater desalination plant. The plant, originally constructed by SIDEM, suffered extensive damage during the severe floods triggered by heavy rainfall from Storm Daniel on September 10. The floods breached two aging dams, leading to the inundation of entire districts of the city into the Mediterranean Sea.
A joint report by the World Bank, United Nations, and European Union revealed that the catastrophic event impacted approximately 1.5 million individuals, which accounts for 22% of the population of Libya. The report also cited data from the U.N. humanitarian agency OCHA, indicating that 4,352 deaths have been confirmed, with 8,000 individuals still unaccounted for.
In response to the urgent need for the restoration of the desalination plant, the Derna Reconstruction Fund organized a meeting with SIDEM to conduct a comprehensive technical assessment. The primary aim of this meeting was to assess the plant’s requirements for spare parts and determine the scope of maintenance work needed to fully restore its functionality.
The Fund’s statement highlighted that the meeting with SIDEM focused on outlining a detailed plan for the technical evaluation process and establishing a work schedule for the repair work. Discussions during the meeting revolved around the technical specifications of the plant, logistical considerations, and the overall strategy for executing the maintenance and repair activities.
The collaboration between the Derna Reconstruction Fund and SIDEM underscores the commitment to expedite the rehabilitation of essential infrastructure in Derna, particularly the desalination plant, which plays a vital role in providing clean and safe drinking water to the residents of the city. The timely restoration of the plant is crucial to ensure the well-being and health of the affected population, considering the significant impact of the floods on the community.
Furthermore, the partnership between the Fund and SIDEM signifies a mutual dedication to leveraging expertise and resources to address the challenges posed by the natural disaster and facilitate the recovery and reconstruction efforts in Derna. By pooling their technical capabilities and knowledge, both entities aim to streamline the repair process and expedite the return of the desalination plant to full operational capacity.
In conclusion, the meeting between the Derna Reconstruction Fund and SIDEM marks a pivotal step towards initiating the restoration of Derna’s seawater desalination plant. The collaborative efforts between the two organizations signal a shared commitment to rebuilding critical infrastructure and supporting the recovery of the city in the aftermath of the devastating floods. Through coordinated planning and execution, the restoration project aims to contribute to the resilience and sustainability of Derna’s water supply infrastructure, enabling the community to rebound from the impact of the natural disaster and thrive in the future.
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