CAIRO: Days after the rebels advanced into the Libyan capital, clean water, food and medical supplies shortages are driving Tripoli into what could become a major humanitarian crisis. Around two million people reside in Tripoli. Days of uncollected trash is adding to the problem and creating health hazards. Most shops around the capital are closed and residents have to search for hours to find groceries. The National Transitional Council (NTC) said they are taking emergency measures to deal with the crisis and implementing a plan to provide the city with food and clean water, but asked people not to expect a miracle. “Tripoli was under tight control of the Gaddafi dictatorship for over 42 years and we are starting from point zero in this situation. So do not ask for miracles, but we promise to try to make this difficult period end as soon as we can,” said Mahmoud Shammam, member of the NTC in the first press conference to take place in Tripoli since the revolt started in February. Many homes are suffering from electricity shortages, which is making life for Libyans harder as the month of Ramadan ends, and the Eid holiday approaches. “We are going through a very exceptional circumstances therefore we call on humanitarian aid agencies around the Arab and Islamic world to help Libya with food and medical supplies,” said Mustafa Abdel Jalil, head of the NTC. The NTC also announced it will “activate” water wells around the city limits for residents to have access to clean water and will be distributing some 30,000 tons of gasoline for vehicles starting Saturday, in addition to diesel fuel to support electricity stations. “Also, we are going to provide within two days gas for cooking and we are working hard to reactivate the Zawiya refinery,” said the NTC. Meanwhile, the NTC says it has full control over the capital, yet eyewitnesses say fighting continues in some pockets around the city. Rockets overnight hit the international airport in Tripoli and a number of planes were reportedly set ablaze. The United States said on Friday that the United Nations Security Council approved a US proposal to unfreeze $1.5 billion of Libyan assets to be used to provide critical humanitarian and other assistance to the Libyan people. Up to $500 million will go international humanitarian organizations while a sum of $120 million will be immediately transferred to the UN missions in Libya. An additional $380 million will be used for the revised UN Appeals for Libya and other humanitarian needs as they are identified by the UN or other international or humanitarian organizations. BM
