Alien workers’ fate ‘uncertain’

There will be no layoffs of permanent employees at the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. when the power plants are privatized but its contractual workers’ security remains uncertain, according to CUC consultant Dennis Swann.

He said both proposers have assured that they will absorb all the full-time and permanent employees.

“Both companies said they will hire all CUC employees—permanent employees,” said Swann, who is vice president of Harris Group.

He said there are 18 to 20 contract workers at Power Plant I who are likely to be retained “because they are necessary for the plant but we don’t have a clear commitment on those guys.”

Meantime, Gov. Juan N. Babauta said that Power Plant II would not be demolished during privatization, as was earlier planned. He said that Power Plant II, which is adjacent to Power Plant I, has been rehabilitated to serve as backup power in case any engine at Power Plant II breaks down.

“There’s no way we’d demolish Power Plant II. It’s an ideal backup generator. That was proven this past weekend when engine 4 [of Power Plant I) broke down. Power Plant II is a savior,” said Babauta.

Power Plant II has not been operational until lately when the governor ordered that it be rehabilitated amid fears that the main power plant would give way anytime soon for lack of proper maintenance.

Babauta said that three small engines at Power Plant II have been up and generating 10 additional megawatts. He said one more engine at the standby plant may soon be fixed. All four engines would give an additional 15 megawatts. Power Plant II has a total of six engines.

Babauta said that engine 4 at Power Plant I remains down for cleanup “due to traces of metal.”

Power Plant I’s engine 8 has not been functioning for over a year now. Babauta said work is underway to install needed bolts for the engine, which generates 10.5 MW.

The main power plant consists of eight generators.

Babauta also said that Power Plant 3 in Isley Field will be rehabilitated for “emergency purposes” to ensure uninterrupted water and sewer services.

He said Saipan is taking one unused but brand new generator from Tinian for the Isley Field. He said he has consulted with Tinian Mayor Francisco Borja and other members of the local delegation on the transfer of the generator.