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Problems of Urban Water Supply in Libya

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 March 2015

S. K. Kezeiri
S. K. Kezeiri*
Affiliation:
Dept of Geography, University of Garyounis, Benghazi
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Abstract

Problems connected with the supply of water to Libya's expanding urban connurbations are described. The constraints imposed by the arid climate have obliged Libya to place great reliance on the exploitation of groundwater reserves and in the most populous, northern regions these are becoming seriously depleted. The long-term safeguarding of the water supply and its possible augmentation to meet rising demand depends on current, expensive, investment. The most ambitious scheme is for a ‘man-made river’ in which water from the country's southern underground reserves will be carried in pipelines to the northern coastal region. Further investment is also being made in desalination plants, whilst additional improvements are recommended in the metering and maintenance of water supply installations. The degree of success of these ventures have vital implications for Libya's future agricultural and urban development.

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Type
Articles
Information
Libyan Studies , Volume 18 , 1987, pp. 103 - 113
Copyright
Copyright © Society for Libyan Studies 1987

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