Ajdabiya – A research thesis at the Libyan Academy for Graduate Studies in Ajdabiya examined the environmental impact of new housing projects in the city. The study, conducted by the School of Humanities’ Geography Department, analyzed urban expansion and its environmental and social effects from 2002 to 2011. It also tracked urban development up to 2025.
According to data from the Housing and Facilities Authority, the study found that Ajdabiya expanded by about 1,012 hectares between 2011 and 2025. The growth occurred across four housing projects: Damascus District (400 hectares, 39.53%), Al-Nahr “Chinese Buildings” (266 hectares, 26.28%), Al-Nahr District Plan (320 hectares, 31.57%), and Boukenisha District (26 hectares, 2.57%).
The study showed that much of the urban growth was unplanned. Many housing projects were carried out without sufficient consideration for environmental planning standards. This led to uncontrolled horizontal expansion at the expense of open land and the city’s surrounding natural environment.
Researchers also observed shortcomings in implementing environmental impact assessments before, during, and after construction. In some cases, these assessments were only superficial and did not include ongoing monitoring during or after project completion.
The study recommended that authorities be required to conduct comprehensive, certified environmental impact studies before starting housing projects. It also called for monitoring at all stages of project development and reviewing land use within city limits to maintain a proper balance between residential and service areas.