Spokesman for the Libyan Parliament Abdullah Blihaq stressed that the investigations into the collapse of the Derna dams will cover all aspects. He noted that the Council will listen to a report from the government regarding the disaster.
In an interview with Al Arabiya Al Hadath on Saturday, Blihaq said the House of Representatives and its committees have been following the issue from the first moment, in addition to the specialized technical procedures, as the Public Prosecutor’s Office began its investigations days ago.
He also explained that the Attorney General arrived in Derna city where they started the investigation procedures and follow up on the dams issue and procedures followed, noting that the House of Representatives asked the Attorney General to investigate the dams collapse.
In parallel, responding to a question about accusing the government of responsibility for what happened, he confirmed that the Council cannot accuse anyone until after the completion of investigations. He added that it will listen to the procedures taken by the government and what will be taken subsequently.
“Derna Disaster Bigger Than Our Capabilities”
In a related context, the head of Libya’s Presidential Council Mohamed Menfi said that corruption must be combated and the exploitation of crises, obstruction of aid, or seizure of it must be prevented so that Derna returns to normal.
He added, “We need unified Libyan institutions to oversee the crisis and cooperate with international efforts,” noting that the division of institutions hinders rescue efforts and effectiveness.
He also confirmed that the Attorney General has been asked to open urgent investigations into the disaster, noting that the Council will follow them as necessary to deter corrupt people and crisis traders.
Menfi explained that the Council needs detailed, factual estimates from the government and its institutions for the allocations of the affected cities according to an accurate timeline.
New Procedures
Osama Hammad, who is the prime minister appointed by the House of Representatives, announced that “starting Saturday, new procedures will be implemented in the disaster area” which will be closed to civilians and security agencies. He added, “Only Libyan and foreign search and investigation teams will be able to access it.”
After opening an investigation into the circumstances of the disaster, Libyan Attorney General Al-Siddiq Al-Sour confirmed that the two dams that collapsed had shown cracks since 1998.
However, work started by a Turkish company in 2010 after years of delay was suspended after a few months following the 2011 revolution and has not resumed since.
The Attorney General pledged to deal harshly with those responsible for the disaster.