Iraq, Canada firm sign deal for 10 power plants

Canadian firm Capgent signed a 1.66-billion-dollar contract with Iraq's electricity ministry on Saturday to build 10 power plants of 100 megawatts each, the ministry said. A ministry spokesman told AFP that the plants were to be constructed within 12 months in the Sunni provinces of Anbar, western Iraq, and in Salaheddin in the centre of the country. Iraq suffers from acute electricity shortages, with demand outstripping supply two-fold, resulting in heavy rationing. For months, angry Iraqis have staged demonstrations demanding improved basic services, especially electricity. To head off further protests, the government has adopted an emergency plan for the rapid construction of 50 small power units across Iraq.