Malta needs emergency powerplant to sustain Summer demand – Enemalta
Enemalta’s executive chairman, Ryan Fava, has cautioned that without a new 60MW temporary diesel-powered “emergency plant” in Delimara, the company cannot ensure the country’s “security of energy supply” during peak summer months. Fava conveyed this message in a letter to the Environment and Resources Authority, requesting an exemption from the legal obligation for an environmental impact assessment for the project. The proposed plant, with a maximum usage of 500 hours annually, would incldue two containerised gasoil-fired generators within the existing Delimara power station boundaries. The anticipated cost for Enemalta over a 27-month period is €46 million. Energy Minister Miriam Dalli had publicly disclosed the decision to invest in the temporary plant in November 2023, allocating €12 million to enhance power capacity by an additional 60MW in case of disruptions to existing power supplies. (Maltatoday)
Six teens assault boy in Floriana
In a Floriana public garden last weekend, five girls and one boy assaulted a 16-year-old boy, robbing him of money and inflicting serious injuries with a penknife. A court heard that the alleged aggressors, aged between 14 and 20, were identified in connection with the mugging that occurred around 7 pm on Saturday, just outside the City Gate. Responding to the incident, Valletta station police discovered the victim on the ground with visible injuries to his face and hands. Subsequently, he was taken to Mater Dei Hospital, where doctors confirmed grievous injuries, including cut ligaments in his hands. On Tuesday, all six were arraigned jointly. They were charged with grievously injuring the victim and wilfully breaching the public peace. A request for bail was granted. (Times of Malta)
Caritas says new law will increase drug trafficking
Caritas Malta has disagreed with the proposal which seeks to increase the maximum amount of drugs one can possess to be sent to a drug court, warning that this increases risk of more people trafficking drugs. In its response to the government’s White Paper for more effective justice for drug victims, Caritas said that while it acknowledged the significant proposals in the White Paper that have the potential to enhance the rehabilitation of individuals dependent on drugs and bring about more social justice, it does not agree with the proposal on the amounts indicated for eligibility for the Drug Offenders Rehabilitation Board. (The Malta Independent)
