Former Gaddafi Compound Gets New Lease of Life

This is Bab-al-Aziziya, a sprawling compound in Tripoli that less than a year ago was home to former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.

              

Now, most of its buildings have been reduced to rubble - but a funny thing has happened in the few that remain standing.

              

They've become home to scores of Libyan families.

              

[Zaki Salem, Bab-al-Azyzyia Resident]:

"Before you wouldn't dare to even look at the walls from outside, and now we are living inside. I feel like a real Libyan citizen, with pride and dignity, to be able to live like that. No more taboos or sacred places I can't go to."

              

The compound fell about eight months ago, when rebels ousted - and eventually killed - Gaddafi.

              

Once an inpeneterable fortress, it's now common to see women doing laundry in the main courtyard.

              

Most say they've moved here because it's cheap.

              

But life is not easy.

              

[Sajja Mohamed, Bab-al-Azyzyia Resident]:         

"It's bad and not healthy to live here. And it's cold and there is no electricity or water - there is nothing in here."

              

It's not clear though how long they will be able to stay.

              

Libya's transitional government is mulling plans to turn the compound into a park.