Enemalta does not deny claims it sourced generators from Kasco

Read our update on the story here

Questions have been raised about the cost and sources of the leased mobile generators currently in use due to decades-long lack of investment in Malta’s power distribution network.

NEWZ.mt asked Enemalta from which suppliers it sourced these generators, at what cost, and whether any company related to Keith Schembri’s Kasco Group is involved in the lease.

A spokesperson for the monopolist pointed out that Enemalta’s priority was to “reduce the downtime in supply in the shortest possible timeframe and minimise the inconvenience caused by faults in the network”.

The 67 per cent taxpayer-owned company chose not to answer any of our questions on which companies supplied the generators and at what cost.

Enemalta also failed to confirm or deny whether any company related to Keith Schembri’s Kasco Group is one of the suppliers.

Diverting from what was actually asked, a spokesperson only stated that Keith Schembri himself – “the individual mentioned” – was “not involved in these contracts”.

The businessman and former chief of staff of Joseph Muscat has been facing numerous criminal charges including corruption, fraud, and money laundering in several cases against him and his colleagues and associates.

Enemalta’s reply in full

Saturday, 20 July 2024

“Enemalta’s primary priority is to reduce the downtime in supply in the shortest possible timeframe and minimise the inconvenience caused by faults in the network. The use of generators as temporary alternative sources provides respite to consumers until our teams of workers address the faults that occur in underground cables.

Enemalta has invested in a number of generators which are used mainly for the day-to-day running as the infrastructure is upgraded. By way of example, when Enemalta is upgrading a transformer in a substation or working on low voltage feeders, supply is temporary provided through these moving generators so that consumers are minimally affected by planned maintenance works.

These generators are also deployed when cable faults occur and Enemalta is unable to provide an immediate alternative source. In fact, in the majority of case, consumers are switched on to alternative cables but where this is not possible, the generators are brought in. 

Enemalta issues call for tenders for the provision of generators and for the lease of additional generators from third parties through a competitive call which would add our resources if such cases arise. The individual mentioned is not involved in these contracts.”