A strong economy would improve livelihoods and give hope for the future, but the lack of reliable electricity in the country has contributed to holding back prosperity. Over the past five years, GDP growth has averaged 3%, to (26) to fight poverty and create jobs. Demand for power outstrips what the country can produce and (27). Planned and unplanned electricity outages of 12 to 16 hours daily nationwide (28) business, aggravate unemployment and spark angry protects. The country has (29) energy resources an estimated 186 billion tonnes of coal, over 10000 megawatts of hydro potential and wind potential of up to 346000 megawatts. But the technology and investment to (30) these resources are limited. An overreliance on imported fuel has exposed the country to high oil prices and there is not enough money to keep the system a mix of private and state run enterprises running or to fix faulty infrastructure that leaks electricity. A resolution of power crisis is thus very critical to survival of the country.