In a statement, the corporation explained that a contractor who was digging up the university ring road to carry out drainage work for the Mater Dei Hospital damaged a number of electricity cables and a water main. This led to extensive power interruptions, especially in the central and southern parts of Malta, including parts of Valletta, Paola, Fgura, Sliema, Msida, Gzira, Paceville, St Julian’s, Mosta and Attard.

The corporation said that around 30,000 households were affected by the power cut, and the damaged water main made it even more difficult for Enemalta’s employees to repair the damage.

The statement added that it was the same contractor who also caused damage to WSC pipes and Enemalta cables when work was being carried out on the university ring road some time ago. It said cables of other entities involved in telecommunications were considerably damaged.

The Malta Independent yesterday quoted Enemalta sources as saying that the high demand for electricity was to blame for the power cut. However, the corporation’s official statement said this was not the problem and it was this damage that had caused the power cut.

Enemalta chairman Tancred Tabone said: “It is a shame that repeated instances of negligence by a contractor is costing the country thousands of liri, apart from the inconvenience for the residents and commercial establishments.”

Mr Tabone added: “It is also a shame that the work carried out by the board of directors, that carried out by the management and that of the employees, especially during the summer months, to reinforce the distribution system and to render it more suitable to cope with demand is ruined by such instances which could be easily be avoided if more attention is paid by (privately-employed) workers.”

Repairs were carried out on Wednesday and most areas affected by the power cut had electricity service restored by later in the afternoon or during the evening. However, more work had to be carried out and some areas, especially in St Julian’s, Sliema, Paceville, Msida, Birkirkara and Gzira, had to have their power suspended again for some time yesterday. The corporation said it will taking legal action against the contractor for the damage its cables sustained.