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Several officials may be charged over delay in modernization of power and heating plant in Brest region

A number of officials of the Belarusian State Energy Concern (Belenerha) and AAT Belenerhazabkamplekt have been given suspect status in a criminal case recently instituted over a delay in the modernization of the Byarozawskaya DRES power and heating plant in Belaazyorsk, Brest region.

The project fell behind schedule because the purchase of a steam turbine for the plant had been delayed.

Investigators are examining the behavior of the officials responsible for the purchase and collecting evidence in not only Belarus but also Russia and Ukraine, the press office of the Investigative Committee of Belarus told BelaPAN.

The investigative team has already received replies to its requests for legal assistance under interstate agreements, the press office said.

The press office indicated that officials of the energy ministry, Belenerha and Belenerhazabkamplekt might be charged with dereliction of duty over the purchase delay. The company that contracted to supply the steam turbine had not manufactured such turbines before and did not have the financial ability to guarantee timely delivery, the press office explained.

Speaking to reporters on April 17, Valery Vakulchyk, head of the Committee for State Security (KGB), said that the Byarozawskaya DRES power and heating plant would have earned by $70 million more if the upgrade had not been delayed.

Alyaksandr Yakabson, head of the State Control Committee, noted at the conference that widespread modernization delays were a major factor pushing up the cost of electricity generated in Belarus.

The delays in the modernization of the Byarozawskaya DRES plant and the TETs-2 power and heating plant in Hrodna have already caused 120 billion rubels ($13.9 million) in additional expenses, Mr. Yakabson noted.