The E-clock in Marsa is again inactive, but it is not through any fault or incompetence: it was struck by lightning.

Well placed sources within the National Euro Changeover Committee told this newspaper that the clock had indeed stopped again and it was due to having been struck by lightning, for a second time.

That same source said that the NECC knew of the problem and had sent for a replacement part in France which should be shipped over by a courier.

The source was hopeful that it would have arrived and be replaced by this morning.

There are three E-clocks in Malta.

There is one at City Gate in Valletta, one in Kappara at the ex -Gas Tanks (or Christmas Tree) roundabout and the ill-fated Marsa one.

None of the other E-clocks have reported any problems. It seems that lightning does indeed sometimes strike twice.