UNICEF warns of humanitarian disaster amid Libya’s water shortage

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Monday expressed concern over shortage of water in Libya, which threatens millions of people, especially children.

“Over 4 million people, including 1.5 million children, will face imminent water problems if immediate solutions are not found and implemented,” UNICEF said in a statement.

The prolonged crisis in the country has impaired the country’s water facilities, the statement explained.

“This is mainly attributed to the lack of required budgets for the purchase of equipment, operational materials and spare parts for regular maintenance. Suppliers are also struggling to open bank credits in hard currency to import equipment from outside the country,” the statement said.

The UNICEF called on the Libyan government and international organisations to prioritize the water supply in order to avoid a “humanitarian disaster,” said UNICEF Special Representative in Libya, AbdulKadir Musse.

Edited by Olajumoke Adeleke