(Author: Libyan Gazette Editorial Staff)
Since last week, Libyans have been growing impatient with the UN-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) as the power grid across the country has suffered significant disruptions causing longer blackouts and water shortages across Libya during the holy month of Ramadan.
In the capital Tripoli, where power outages have lasted for up to 18 hours a day and the residents have been without water for four days, the people have taken to the streets to protest the worsening conditions in Libya and demand a solution to the problem.
“If the situation remains like this, there are going to be a lot more protests across Tripoli in the next few days,” Mohamed Jabu, from Ain Zara Municipal Council, told Libya Business Info.
The General Electricity Company of Libya (GECOL) asked Libyan citizens to remain patient and reassured them that the power crisis would be resolved soon, however many remain skeptical as the summer temperatures rise.
In a statement made on its Facebook page on Friday, GECOL said that it had finished maintenance at Al-Khalij and that it is working to reopen the steam station soon, which will lessen energy deficits across the country.
The company apologized for the involuntary circumstances which lead to the power outage, and said that false news has been circulated about some of the reasons why power outages were taking place. For instance, previous reports that the recent fighting between Haftar’s forces and the newly formed Benghazi Defence Brigades resulted in the power lines near Ajdabiya being damaged leading to the water shortage have been denied.
Power outages and water shortages have affected other parts of the country as well, with the south experiencing total blackouts lasting for days and Benghazi experiencing water shortages and power cuts for up to eight hours a day.
UN Envoy Martin Kobler expressed his concern over the worsening energy situation across Libya in a Twitter post, “Worried about the continued power cuts in large parts of Tripoli. Urge #GNA to tackle energy supply for the population.”
Meanwhile, the GNA has asked the people of Libya to remain patient while it attempts to resolve the energy crisis.
