Libyan Water Resources Ministry Raises Dam Readiness Ahead of Rainy Season 2026-2027

Libyan Government Orders Comprehensive Dam Maintenance as Preparations Begin for Upcoming Rainy Season

The Libyan Ministry of Water Resources under the Government of Libya has announced the implementation of an integrated plan to raise the efficiency and readiness of dams across the country. The initiative comes in implementation of directives from Minister of Water Resources Mohamed Douma, as part of early preparations for the upcoming rainy season 2026-2027.

Engineering and technical teams have already begun maintenance, inspection, and operational checks on dam systems nationwide. The Ministry confirmed that the plan aims to ensure the structural safety of dams and enhance their capacity to manage water flows during the rainy season, protecting communities and infrastructure from potential flood risks.

Inspection Campaign Underway

As part of the readiness plan, the Deputy Minister of Water Resources conducted an inspection tour of the Wadi Zart and Wadi Ghan dams, according to a statement from the Ministry's official Facebook page. The tour assessed the current condition of the dams and reviewed the maintenance work carried out in preparation for the 2026-2027 rainy season.

The inspection teams evaluated key structural elements, including spillways, drainage systems, and monitoring equipment. The Ministry stated that all technical observations would be addressed promptly to ensure full operational readiness before the onset of heavy rains expected later this year.

Why Dam Readiness Matters for Libya

Libya's water infrastructure is critically important for both water supply and flood protection. The country's dams, many of which were built decades ago, require regular maintenance to remain effective. The 2023 Derna disaster highlighted the catastrophic consequences of dam failure, making proactive maintenance and readiness improvements a national priority.

The Water Resources Ministry has emphasized that early preparation is essential for mitigating flood risks and ensuring water security. The current campaign includes cleaning drainage channels, testing mechanical systems, and reinforcing structural weak points identified in previous assessments.

Integrated Maintenance Plan Details

The Ministry outlined several key components of the maintenance and readiness plan:

  • Structural Inspections: Comprehensive assessment of all major dams to identify and address structural vulnerabilities.
  • Mechanical Systems Testing: Verification of gates, pumps, and monitoring equipment to ensure proper functioning during emergencies.
  • Drainage Channel Cleaning: Removal of debris and sediment from drainage systems to maximize water flow capacity.
  • Early Warning Systems: Coordination with meteorological authorities to monitor rainfall patterns and water levels in real time.
  • Emergency Response Plans: Development of rapid response protocols for downstream communities in case of extreme weather events.

The Ministry confirmed that the maintenance campaign would continue through the summer months to ensure full readiness before the rainy season begins.

Commitment to Public Safety

Minister Mohamed Douma has stressed that public safety is the Ministry's top priority. The proactive approach to dam maintenance reflects a broader strategy by the Libyan Government to strengthen infrastructure resilience and protect citizens from natural hazards.

The Ministry has also called on citizens living near dam areas to cooperate with authorities and follow safety instructions during the rainy season. Community engagement and awareness campaigns are planned as part of the comprehensive preparedness effort.

— Libya Press / Politics Desk