Libya’s national power company Gecol has struggled to keep the lights on since the 2011 ‘revolution’ which toppled long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi. Years of war, lawlessness and instability have crippled what used to be a relatively well-functioning sector.
The now 11-week battle for Tripoli (MEES, 17 May) has made a bad situation worse. Eastern-based General Khalifa Haftar’s assault on the capital from the south has seriously damaged crucial substations and transmission lines and pylons. Libyans in the capital and surrounding areas have been going without power for 6-7 hours at a time; some have none at all. (CONTINUED - 1185 WORDS)
