When it was planned some 20 years ago, the power station at Delimara was hugely controversial, and not only because of the aesthetic effects it would have on the picturesque fishing village of Marsaxlokk.

Today as it churns out the electricity we consume, it remains mired in controversy, and is a pet hate with the villagers. And not only for its towering chimney, though the chimney is a major cause of complaint.

For at times thick black smoke is spewed into the air, which spreads out on calm days and lingers over the area.

Residents in Marsaxlokk complain that the building is itself a major eyesore, let alone when it emits the black smoke. "Not only does it harm the environmental surroundings of the area, but it is also harmful to the health of all those who are in its vicinity," lamented Peter Zammit, who operates one of the stalls of the popular open air market, the monti, along the promenade.

Mr Zammit argued that while the emissions themselves do not last long, they mostly take place in the mornings. Tourists often ask him what the smoke is and what it does, much to his and his colleagues' discomfort.

To make matters worse, the inhabitants of the picture postcard village have to make do with other inconveniences as well. Oil Tanking Ltd. operates an independent oil terminal in Marsaxlokk, which has discharge and loading points along the breakwater pier and offers storage, blending and bunkering facilities.

Pictures showing the power station emitting thick black smoke on 5 August were sent to this paper by a reader last week. On being contacted, Enemalta spokesperson Ian Vella commented that on the day, "at around 3:30pm Delimara power station developed a minor fault which resulted in black smoke being emitted from one of the power station's chimneys. However this was an isolated event and Enemalta engineers took immediate action and immediately switched the operation."

While Mr Vella argued that the emissions lasted no longer than two minutes and are a one off, villagers think otherwise.

Raymond Debono, owner of a popular restaurant in the village, bemoaned that the powerhouse is a major drawback when it comes to his business. "Since the restaurant is located right opposite the power station, tourists continuously ask me what it is and when they realise what it does, they more often than not are put off their food."

"People tend to forget other negative aspects of the power station. Not only does it pollute the air, but it has destroyed much of the marine life in its environs. For instance, diving for sea urchins is a thing of the past, since the creatures have practically disappeared.

"While those located right near the power station were offered some form of compensation or another, those who are indirectly suffering from its use, have been ignored," argued Mr Debono.