Hidroituango tests won't be rushed, says Medellín mayor

Colombia's controversial Hidroituango project faces further delays as owner Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM) seeks more time to conduct tests on the 2.4GW hydro plant, according to senior officials. 

Medellín mayor Daniel Quintero said he had reached an agreement with the national government to begin operating the plant after November 30, the deadline stipulated in EPM's firm energy contracts.

"At the request of the government of Gustavo Petro, who wants to prioritize safety and human life, we are going to carry out tests at Hidroituango without rushing," Quintero told reporters. 

The mayor's comments came after EPM's generation head William Giraldo said he could not yet guarantee the safety of surrounding communities amid concerns the dam wall could burst and cause catastrophic flooding. 

"Further tests will allow us to simulate the impact of power generation on [the surrounding rock formations]," he said, adding that the plant's operational startup could be "much later" than November 30. 

According to Quintero, the government assured him that EPM would not be fined for missing its commitment to provide firm energy with sector regulator Creg. 

Earlier, Petro said residents of areas surrounding the project "must be evacuated" as a precautionary measure before any of Hidroituango's turbines are activated.