Updated 1230
Malta’s electricity supply increases by 7.8% in 2022
In 2022, Malta used a total electricity supply of 2,880.9 GWh, marking a 7.8% increase from the previous year, with the supply in Malta being comprised of 67.5% from net generation at power plants, 22.2% from net imports, and 10.3% from renewable sources, while the gross production, including electricity from power plants and renewables, amounted to 2,293.5 GWh, with July recording the highest production at 249.0 GWh; power plant-generated electricity saw a 2.3% increase from the previous year, reaching 1,996.5 GWh, while renewable energy production increased by 12.9%, totaling 297 GWh in 2022, with the majority (97.5%) being generated from photovoltaic panels. (Times of Malta)
Chamber welcomes Air Malta announcement
The Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry has expressed its approval of the agreement reached between the Maltese government and the European Commission concerning the establishment of a new national airline. In a statement, the Chamber underscored the importance of effective operations and sound governance for the new airline’s sustained success, signaling a departure from decades of unsustainable practices driven by political interference. According to the Chamber, these practices have not only incurred substantial costs for the nation but have also raised concerns about other state-owned entities encountering similar difficulties. The Malta Chamber emphasized that it has consistently cautioned against extravagance and has advocated for improved governance, operational efficiency, and recruitment processes throughout all state-owned organisations. (Maltatoday)
Rhoda Garland confirmed as Disability Rights Commissioner
Rhoda Garland, who todate was serving as Acting Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, has been officially appointed as Commissioner to the position after obtaining the approval of the Parliamentary Permanent Committee for Public Appointments. She becomes the third person to be appointed for this position of high importance having also served as Executive Director in the same Commission. Her predecessor in her new role of Commissioner was Samantha Pace Gasan who earlier this year took another public role. (TVM)
Morning Briefing
MDA calls for renewal of existing building permits
The Malta Developers’ Association (MDA) has called for the renewal of existing building permits as a means to alleviate the reliance on imported workers, emphasizing their importance to the property industry. The MDA noted in a statement that while developers and contractors in this sector are paying well above the minimum wage, there is a shortage of Maltese nationals willing to work in the field, necessitating the hiring of foreign workers. The MDA further suggested that measures could be implemented to reduce the need for importing foreign employees. Among these proposed measures, the MDA recommended that the government automatically extend expiring building permits. (TVM)
New trade centre at MCAST to open in 2024 – PM
Prime Minister Robert Abela announced on Tuesday that the initial stages of establishing a trade centre at MCAST will commence in September 2024, with the intention of it becoming operational one year thereafter. Addressing attendees during a Labour Party workshop focused on “A Malta of abilities” held at the Paola-based college, Abela underscored the significance of vocational trades and highlighted that the upcoming center would play a crucial role in retraining and enhancing the skills of workers within various trade sectors.
Judge rules No Deposit Cars contract void and fraudulent
A judge has declared a hire purchase contract between No Deposit Cars and a client void due to fraudulent practices in the sale of a used vehicle. Judge Toni Abela, in a damning decision, stated that No Deposit Cars, owned by Christian Borg, who is being accused of kidnap in separate legal proceedings, forces customers into contracts with unfavorable terms, including one that restricts clients from reporting hidden defects. The judge emphasized the importance of good faith even in second-hand transactions and condemned the company’s deceptive practices as equivalent to fraud under civil law. (Maltatoday)
