By Libya Herald reporters.
Tripoli, 12 July 2016:
The much-delayed Obari power station is nearing completion with the delivery of some of the last pieces of equipment.
The 640MW power station was begun in 2009 by the Turkish construction company ENKA. As the local security collapsed after the Revoution the work was broken off in 2011 when the job was 90 percent completed. Expatriate staff were evacuated. Cnstruction resumed briefly in 2013 but fighting between Tebu and Tuareg tribes quickly forced it re-abandonment.
This January the Turkish firm was persuaded to complete the project. Among the security measures on which it insisted were regular commercial flights from Obari airport and the effective operation of the local hospital.
It is not yet clear when the new Obari station will come on line, but when it does, its output will make a palpable impact on the enduring power shortages in the south.