Power problems

One of the challenges of living in Tanzania is dealing with regular power issues.  It's one of the main topics of conversation here - around town and even in the Tanzanian parliament!  Conversation centres around when the power has been on and off, which areas of town have been worst hit by power cuts, who's fridge has completely defrosted etc.  It's a bit like the way the British talk about the weather.

We happen to live in a pretty good part of town, so are only getting about 4-5 power cuts per week.  Incredibly I think the power has been on for the last 48 hours without a break - a first since we arrived here.
A couple of weeks ago we had an evening power cut (as usual) and thought nothing of it.  Waking the next morning, we found the pole holding an electricity line had been knocked over just outside our house.  The electric cables were hanging about 3 feet from the ground.

Imrpessively, Tanesco (Tanzania's electricity company arrived within a couple of days to dig a hole and erect a new post).  One willing volunteer helped dig the hole - probably keep to make the area a little safer as soon as possible.

The pictures tell the story far better than words.  Enjoy.