The General Electric Company of Libya (GECOL) has said it plans to replace copper electricity lines with a cheaper aluminium alternative in the hope of ending the thefts. Aluminium, although it is not a conductive as copper, is used in much household wiring.
GECOL says that thefts of electrical wire are one of the reasons why Tripoli has been suffering from prolonged electricity blackouts. Just this week cables at the substation at Tajoura were taken, forcing it to shut down.
The situation has been further complicated by the fact that GECOL engineers have been reluctant to go to repair electricity lines following attacks on them and thefts of their vehicles.
(Source: Libya Herald)
