A 2021 report prepared by the HIB suggests a shift from public housing towards investment-related PPPs, a funding strategy adopted by several other countries. Security financing concerns remain key barriers to development. In the past the country has attempted to hand over stalled projects to local contractors for completion, but questions remain surrounding debts owed to foreign contractors for partially completed work.
To meet growing electricity demand and to help address frequent supply cuts, a power plant has been built in Misrata by a consortium of German industrial manufacturing conglomerate Siemens and Turkish construction company ENKA. The facility features two SGT5-PAC 4000F Siemens combustion turbine generator units that operate on a blend of natural gas and light fuel oil. The General Electricity Company of Libya announced that both units of the 650-MW simple-cycle plant had come on-line in early July 2022.
In addition to projects in the utilities sector, transport is a key focus of the construction industry. In April 2023 Mohamed Al Zaidani, the minister of railways and planning, recommended that the rail link between the Khoms and Misrata ports should be prioritised following a review of the railway implementation plan, highlighting the route’s economic and societal importance. The expansion of Misrata International Airport (MIA) is another notable construction project in the city. In early 2023 the International Civil Aviation Organisation in the Middle East inspected and assessed MIA’s infrastructure works and technical and operational status. In May 2023 the Transport Projects Board in the Ministry of Transport approved the construction of the new passenger terminal at MIA. Spanning an area of 15,600 sq metres, the terminal will accommodate up to 2m passengers per year, bringing the airport’s total annual capacity to 4m passengers. Work on levelling the construction area, clearing obstructions and building a safety fence was under way as of mid-2023.
A range of amenities – including boarding gates, cafes, restaurants, shops and ticket offices for different companies – are planned for the new terminal in line with global design standards, along with communication services, high-speed internet and private parking. The project will cater to all types of travellers, and provide a lounge for business executives and government officials. Security equipment – such as high-resolution inspection devices, surveillance cameras, high-sensitivity sensors, a fire-extinguishing system and a control room – will be installed in order to adhere to international civil aviation safety requirements. The Libya Airports Authority and the Ministry of Transport contracted local general contracting and real estate investment firm Al Jamal Company in early 2023 to undertake the project.
The construction sector is integral to Misrata’s economy, with ongoing projects demonstrating the potential for continued development. The future outlook for the sector remains positive, with investment opportunities available for those interested in entering the market.
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