Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Tripoli Sees Surge in Theft of Storm Drain Covers

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Africazine:

Tripoli faces a troubling surge in thefts of essential infrastructure.

In a concerning trend, the General Water and Wastewater Company reported that over 700 storm drain and manhole covers have been stolen in Tripoli. Spokesperson Mohammed Karim highlighted that these thefts have notably increased, particularly in central areas of the city.

Tripoli’s Infrastructure Under Siege from Thieves

The theft of storm drain and manhole covers poses a significant risk to public safety and infrastructure integrity in Tripoli. The company has recently installed new carbon-treated covers, which are not recyclable, yet they have been targeted almost immediately after installation. This alarming trend has raised concerns among local authorities and residents alike.

Karim emphasized the importance of community vigilance, urging citizens to report any suspicious activities related to these thefts. The stolen covers are often sold to scrap metal dealers, exacerbating the issue and leading to further losses for the company.

Tripoli: Key figures on storm drain and manhole cover thefts

  • More than 700 covers have been stolen in Tripoli alone.

Community Action Needed to Combat Theft

Authorities are calling for increased cooperation from the public to help curb this rising crime. Citizens are encouraged to be alert and report any thefts or suspicious behavior to local law enforcement. The company continues to work on strategies to protect its infrastructure from further thefts.

Tripoli's infrastructure is at risk as thefts escalate.

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