The Mayor of Awjila, Ahmed Batroun, has sounded the alarm over the rapid growth of the red palm weevil infestation, warning it has reached a critical stage. While the spread remains in its early phases, Batroun stressed the need for urgent intervention to prevent a potential agricultural and economic disaster.
In remarks to the Al-Ahrar TV channel, Batroun highlighted the risk of the pest spreading to neighbouring oasis municipalities due to their proximity. “Neglecting this issue at such a pivotal stage could result in catastrophic consequences,” he warned.
A delegation from the eastern authority has visited the region and collected samples, but Batroun insists that broader, more coordinated efforts from relevant authorities are necessary to curb the outbreak before it spirals into an uncontrollable epidemic.
The Municipality of Awjila recently confirmed several infestations in local farms, warning of the red palm weevil's destructive potential. The pest is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous threats to palm cultivation, a key agricultural sector in Libya.
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