The government, through the Privatisation Unit, today will kick-start the public process leading to the commercialisation of the Gas Division within Enemalta Corporation. This will be made through a public offering, the government added.

Government policy clearly states that Enemalta is to concentrate on its main function, which is the generation and distribution of electricity.

Due to the fact that the distribution of oil and gas are being liberalised, it no longer makes sense for the government to continue operating in these sectors in competition with private interests.

As from today, interested investors are invited to submit proposals for the construction, operation for a 30- year period, and transfer through the concessional operation of storage and bottling facilities for gas.

For the time being, the government will be offering the selected tender winner the possibility of operating the current bottling plant at Qajjenza. However, the eventual objective of this commercialisation project is to shut down this plant, as it is too close to a residential area.

The tender winner should also be in possession of the relevant permits from the Malta Environment and Planning Authority to construct a larger alternative plant at Benghisa. The company will also be given the opportunity to submit alternative proposals for other possible sites.

The public offering closes on 20 October.