As Libya battles extreme water scarcity, the Great Man-Made River Project (GMMRP) enters its final phase, promising to transform water access across the nation amidst challenges and hopes.*
Libya, ranked among the world’s most water-deficient nations, is preparing to complete the final phase of the Great Man-Made River Project (GMMRP)—an ambitious $7 billion initiative aimed at alleviating the country’s chronic water shortages. Once fully realized, this colossal network of underground pipelines and reservoirs will extend fresh Saharan water to virtually every corner of the nation, enhancing the lives of millions.
The GMMRP, already spanning approximately 4,500 kilometers, has been a lifeline for Libya, supplying over 70% of its urban areas with much-needed water. However, some northeastern regions remain disconnected from this vast network. With the commitment to the project’s fifth and final phase, the Great Man-Made River Authority (GMMRA) aims to bridge these gaps, ensuring comprehensive coverage across farms, villages, and cities.
The completion of this phase will leverage natural gravity to distribute water, branching out in four strategic directions, thereby enhancing the efficiency and reach of the existing infrastructure. Project leaders have drawn from decades of expertise, with Libyan scientists, engineers, and international partners collaborating since the GMMRA’s inception in the early 1980s.
Despite its immense benefits, the GMMRP has not been without its challenges. The total cost of the project has ballooned to $25 billion amidst political instability, civil unrest, and financial constraints. A particularly significant setback occurred in 2011 when the Brega Pipes Manufacturing Plant was destroyed during international military interventions, halting progress and necessitating extensive reconstruction.
Dr. Ahmed Al-Mahdi, a water resources specialist based in Tripoli, commented on the project’s importance: “The GMMRP is not just a water project; it is a symbol of resilience. It offers a sustainable solution to one of our greatest challenges and opens doors for economic and agricultural development.”
Statistics from the World Bank underscore the urgency of such initiatives, as Libya’s renewable water resources are estimated at a mere 700 cubic meters per capita per year, far below the threshold of 1,700 cubic meters typically considered necessary to avoid water stress.
As Libya navigates the complex terrain of completing this monumental venture, success hinges on securing continuous funding, employing skilled consultants, and selecting high-quality materials to ensure the network’s durability and efficiency. The international community watches closely, recognizing the project’s potential to not only transform Libya’s water landscape but also serve as a model for other water-scarce regions.
With the final phase underway, Libyans remain hopeful that the GMMRP will soon deliver on its promise to provide stable, clean water access across the country, thereby fostering a more secure and prosperous future.
