Updated 1230
First road fatality of the year, man dies in Attard crash: A 25-year-old man, Alejandro Brincat, a footballer for Vittoriosa Stars, died in a car accident on Monday at 9:20 PM on Mdina Road, Attard. Brincat lost control of his Mercedes, crashing into a tree and a steel structure beyond the roadside barriers. He was pronounced dead on-site. Vittoriosa Stars mourned his loss, describing him as a gentleman and respected teammate. Magistrate Ian Farrugia is leading an inquiry into the incident.
260 reports filed daily at police stations across Malta and Gozo: Malta’s police stations received an average of 260 daily reports in 2024, totaling 86,973 between January and November. Over five years, 423,405 reports were filed, with 2021 recording the highest at 91,358. The Fifth District, including Birżebbuġa and Żurrieq, had the most reports (11,479 in 2021), while the Airport Police Station had the fewest, despite rising numbers from 746 in 2020 to 2,454 in 2024. Valletta’s First District reported the lowest figures in 2024 (4,623), while the Ninth District, covering Mosta and Naxxar, peaked at 9,199 in 2023. Community Police handle duties in San Ġwann, and Comino sees seasonal police presence from April to October.
Artificial intelligence to help predict and manage Malta’s water supplies: Malta’s Energy and Water Agency (EWA) and Water Services Corporation (WSC) are testing AI technology with US-based NOAH Global Solutions to predict and manage water supplies amid growing demand, climate change, and dwindling resources. The AI monitors data such as water usage, groundwater levels, and weather patterns, analysing it to forecast demand, detect risks like saltwater intrusion, and optimize water distribution. Acting as an intelligent manager, it adjusts water sources—desalinated, groundwater, and recycled—to minimise costs and environmental impact. EWA CEO Manuel Sapiano emphasised Malta’s water challenges due to limited rainfall, no surface water, and saltwater intrusion, stressing AI’s potential to ensure a reliable, efficient water supply in a changing climate.
Morning Briefing
Attorney General Rejects Request to Publish 17 Black Inquiry Report
The Attorney General has declined a request by Opposition leader Bernard Grech, former PN leader Simon Busuttil, and MEP David Casa to release the 17 Black inquiry report. Casa stated he was informed that the report would not be made available due to “eventual prosecution of those accused.” Expressing his disapproval on social media, Casa criticised the decision as a blow to transparency. “The public deserves full disclosure of this theft of their funds and betrayal,” he said. “Institutions must act with total transparency to rebuild the trust eroded over many years.” He also highlighted that journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was assassinated shortly after uncovering the existence of 17 Black. The offshore company, allegedly owned by Yorgen Fenech, is believed to have been set up to transfer funds to former chief of staff Keith Schembri and former Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi, tied to the construction of the Electrogas power station. (Times of Malta)
Insurance Association Malta Urges Year-Round Road Safety Efforts
The Insurance Association Malta (IAM) has called for consistent road safety measures, noting the absence of serious accidents during the festive season when enforcement increased. “The risks of drink- and drug-driving aren’t seasonal. Road safety must remain a daily priority,” IAM stated. While praising the Malta Police Force for 170 road checks, 4,700 vehicle inspections, and over 400 fines during Christmas, IAM expressed concern about limited efforts throughout the year. “Reckless drivers must face strong, consistent deterrence,” it said, urging ongoing initiatives. IAM, a supporter of road safety, commended the festive use of breathalyser tests, which caught 11 over-the-limit drivers, as a proactive step to curb dangerous driving. (Maltatoday)
ARMS to Compensate Consumers for Summer Power Outages
Consumers who experienced power outages exceeding six consecutive hours last summer will receive compensation as bill credits, ARMS announced. The company managing water and electricity billing confirmed that eligible accounts have been identified, with refunds processed automatically. Letters detailing the credits will be sent to affected consumers in the coming days. ARMS described the payment as ex gratia, meaning voluntary and not legally required. The outages, concentrated in June and July 2024, prompted Enemalta to deploy 14 diesel generators across Malta and Gozo to address the issue. (The Malta Independent)
