By Aimen Eljali.
Tripoli, 23 August 2013:
Sirte experienced yet another power cut on Wednesday evening after thieves stole copper cables from an . . .[restrict]electricity substation.
The General Electricity Company, GECOL, says it is powerless to prevent such thefts, blaming the present lack of security. It has called on the local council and the government to ensure equipment and electricity network is adequately protected.
Sirte has been particularly badly hit by cable thefts in recent weeks. They are becoming almost a daily occurrence. Last month a spokesperson for GECOL reported that the thieves “sell the stolen copper to neighbouring countries.” The theft of cables, as well as maintenance vehicles, had so far cost the company millions, he told the Libya Herald.
Less than a fortnight ago, the main power station in Sirte was damaged by a home-made ‘gelatina’ bomb leaving at least 200 homes without power. It was the second attack in two weeks.
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