BWSC personnel have locked computer systems and effectively disabled the power station extension in Delimara because of a dispute with Enemalta over the testing procedure, Labour MP Joe Mizzi said in Parliament today.

He said the systems were locked on Wednesday but the people had not been told anything by the government.  

Speaking on the adjournment, Mr Mizzi said that the dispute arose after the newly-repaired steam turbine was installed and the power station was switched on.

It appeared that Enemalta wanted the reliability tests to start afresh while BWSC wanted a resumption from the point where they were halted when the fault in the steam turbine developed.

As a result, the BWSC technicians locked the computers and turned off the extension once more.

Furthermore, it appeared that some vibration had been detected in the turbine, Mr Mizzi said. The BWSC technicians were saying that the issue had been resolved, but, Enemalta should consider asking for a replacement turbine, Mr Mizzi said.

Problems regarding leakage from the emissions abatement system were also persisting.

The Labour MP said that he had asked the Auditor General to delve into the issue as soon as possible to avoid a situation where the country was burdened with undue costs. The people could not afford to pay for the mistakes of others, he said.

Malta should not end up with a power station which had already been paid for but which could not be used.

This would also mean continued use of the Marsa power station, with resultant fines for excessive emissions and a heavier fuel bill. 

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