Tripoli, 1/July/2022 – A delegation from the Man-Made River Authority (MMRA) in Libya met with representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to jointly develop a multi-year work programme aimed at improving the reliability of the Man-Made River infrastructural systems which provides water to people across Libya.

"Since it began operations in 1993, the MMRA has become the primary source of fresh water for the country. Its ability to continue to provide this vital resource is largely dependent on it maintaining the integrity of the infrastructure which is under increasing strain due to multiple challenges including aging and vandalism. “This collaboration is critical to support us to continue providing water for our citizens now and in the future,” said Mr. Abdalla Benidris MMRA representative.

During the 2-day workshop, UNDP and UNEP representatives concurred on the importance of the MMRA as “a critical lifeline for the Libyan people as the main source of the integrated water resource management system.”

The delegation and the UN also explored the possibility of rehabilitation of the Ajdabiya Reservoir, maintaining operable pipeline conditions and developing energy autonomy through the introduction of photovoltaic (PV) solar energy.

The UN and MMRA will now work to develop a concept note for a joint MMR Support Programme that will provide the assistance needed to ensure that Libyans today and in the future have access to clean water.