Libya detains 4 officials over Derna dam collapse catastrophe

CAIRO - 29 September 2023: On Friday, the Libyan Public Prosecution announced the detention of four more officials in connection with the calamitous collapse of the Derna Dam. Their alleged negligence in duty resulted in a massive flood that took many citizens of the city by surprise.

The Libyan Attorney General's Office specified in a statement that the official responsible for managing the lawsuit proceedings regarding the disaster interrogated two members of the Derna Municipal Council, the Director of the City Reconstruction Projects, and the head of the Technical Committee entrusted with the city's reconstruction plan.

The investigation pointed out the negligence in their administrative and financial roles, contributing to the unexpected flood that led to the tragic deaths of thousands and caused substantial economic losses.

According to the statement, the investigator concluded that they should be detained in relation to the case. He continued to request all necessary procedures relevant to the lawsuit, particularly focusing on the transparent management of funds earmarked for Derna's reconstruction. Moreover, the investigation examined the local authority's failure to manage the city's dams optimally.

Earlier, on Monday, the Attorney General's office initiated criminal proceedings against 16 officials following investigations regarding the collapse of the Wadi Derna and Abu Mansour dams due to floods triggered by Storm Daniel. The office had previously decided to detain eight of the accused, including the former head of the Water Resources Authority and his successor, the Director of the Dams Department and his predecessor, the head of the Dams Projects Implementation and Maintenance Department, the head of the Dams Department in the Eastern region, the head of the Water Resources Office in Derna, and the Dean of the Derna Municipal Council.

The collapse of the dams in Derna, a city in northeastern Libya, has become one of the significant calamities in the country's recent history. This catastrophe sheds light on the infrastructure vulnerabilities in Libya, highlighting the challenges faced due to years of conflict and the urgent need for enhanced governance and accountability.

The thorough investigation and subsequent detentions signify the Libyan government's commitment to addressing systemic issues and ensuring responsible parties are held accountable.