Updated - Adds Alternattiva Demokratika reaction - Enemalta is in the process of installing smart meters at the illegal boathouses in Armier.

Angry critics claimed there was “no political will to clamp down on illegalities” and that updating the meters sends a message that wrongs are rewarded rather than penalised.

The decision comes as the government seeks to sanction the illegal shanty town, which has been a political hot potato for years.

There are around 800 boathouses in Armier, with sources saying only about 25 per cent actually have an electricity meter. The rest either connect to their neighbours’ supply or else illegally siphon off the government’s supply to the area through street lights and other points. The same goes for water.

A corporation spokesman confirmed that its workmen visited the boathouses over the Santa Marija period, when most boathouses would be occupied, to verify how many had an old meter that needed changing to a smart one.

The spokesman said the State energy company was taking steps to stop the 75 per cent of boathouses without meters from stealing electricity.

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In a reaction, Alternattiva Demokratika said it was shameful that illegal buildings were getting smart metres, when they should actually be removed.

While it was good to fight theft of electricity, such illegal structures should never have been given a power supply in the first place.

What was stopping the government was tackling such theft of public land?

In this case, those who stole public land were being rewarded with the provision of services, while ordinary citizens were being denied enjoyment of public land.