Bugibba trenching works, 'total madness'

Labour Party tourism spokesman Evarist Bartolo has described as "total madness" the lack of coordination between the government and Enemalta over trenching works in Bugibba that were about to start earlier this week.

The works have been postponed by a fortnight after hoteliers complained about the inconvenience caused to tourists.

Such infrastructure works would lead to losses for hoteliers. With better planning, such works could have been carried out in leaner periods, Mr Bartolo said.

Enemalta said the trenching works had been planned since early February and are necessary to reinforce the distribution system. This will ensure a reliable supply of electricity during summer. "The works are covered by all the necessary permits, obtained from the ADT after consultation with the local council and other stakeholders.

"The works were to be carried out over a period of about one week (Thursday to Wednesday, excluding the weekend) with the contractor working from 8.30 a.m. to minimise inconvenience to residents. They are to be carried out before the summer months when only emergency works are permitted.

"Following representations by the Malta Tourism Authority and the hotel owners, a mutually satisfactory agreement was reached between all parties and Enemalta has agreed to postpone works to a date proposed by the same hotel owners," it said.