Enemalta to get long-term refinancing plan

Enemalta’s tariffs over the past few years did not reflect variations in its costs to generate electricity, including oil price rises, despite the government’s subsidy.

This led Enemalta’s debts to rise and rise, Minister Tonio Fenech told Joe Mizzi (PL).

This problem has now been solved with the changes that were introduced in the way the tariffs are worked out. These are now based on an established formula which has been approved by the Malta Resources Authority.

It incorporates the cost of generating electricity and also Return on Capital Employed, which is needed so that the corporation, over a period of years, recoups the investment that has been made.

Enemalta is preparing a long-term plan for the refinancing of its debts. The general aim is to put Enemalta on a more sustainable financial basis. Much of the work involved has been completed and the government’s plan is to move to implement this plan in the near future.

More men than women claim to be victims of offences

While 428 women claimed last year to have been victims of offences, no fewer than 843 men made the same claim.

These varied from a person aged one year to a person aged 86 years.

Minister Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici was replying to a question by Anthony Agius Decelis (PL).

However, as regards domestic violence, far more women reported crimes (578) than men (147). Their ages varied from three years to 81 years.

And, as regards sexual offences, 113 women claimed they were victims of such crimes, as against just 18 men. Their ages varied from six years to 77 years.

Kappara roundabout project

Mepa is at present expecting Transport Malta to furnish additional information regarding PA4917/09 about the underpass project at the Kappara roundabout, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi told Leo Brincat (PL).

These additional submissions include an Environmental Impact Assessment, which will also consider alternatives to the plan as well as some technical details and other details relating to the design.

Separation cases still in Court

In a reply to Leo Brincat (PL), Minister Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici listed the marriage separation cases still pending at Court as at 14 February (ironically Valentine’s Day).

It is not clear whether the cases are cumulative or whether the lists represent the same cases over and over again. It could also be the case that two court proceedings represent the same couple, since proceedings could have been initiated by both parties.

There are 568 contentious cases for personal separation in the Family Section of the Civil Courts in Malta, and 37 in Gozo.

There are 536 personal separation cases at mediation stage in the Family Section of the Civil Courts in Malta, and 15 in Gozo.

There are 61 cases of agreed separation (bonarja) at mediation stage in the Family Section of the Civil Courts in Malta, and four in Gozo.

And there are 10 contentious cases at appeals stage.

Prostitution, sexual abuse on minors, domestic violence

In a series of replies, Minister Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici gave Noel Farrugia (PL) details about people arraigned on a variety of charges in Maltese courts in 2010.

During 2010 the police charged 105 persons in relation to prostitution. They also initiated criminal proceedings against 39 persons (31 in Malta and eight in Gozo) on charges relating to sexual abuse. They also initiated criminal proceedings regarding 682 cases of domestic violence in Malta and 36 in Gozo. And 47 persons were arraigned and charged with grievous offences against elderly persons, that is persons over 60 years. A total of 42 were in Malta and five in Gozo.

Directorship at Mepa is a ‘position of trust’

The position of a directorship at Mepa is a position of trust, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi told Roderick Galdes (PL). Thus the Mepa chairman together with the board may decide to employ a director both after a public call and also by trying to find a person of trust that has the necessary requirements. As regards the recent announcement of the appointment of the Director for the Protection of the Environment (Petra Bianchi), there was the need for this post to be filled without delay. Dr Bianchi has the necessary requirements as well as the experience that in the opinion of the board render her appointment a good choice.

Salini restoration

The first call for the restoration of the Ximenes Redoubt at Salini has been published. Other calls for work related to the restoration of the saltpans, the reconstruction of the huts, the construction of protective storm walls and project management are in the last preparatory phase prior to their publication.

Minister George Pullicino was replying to Censu Galea (PN).

At present, studies regarding the rehabilitation of the salt march and the garigue are still on-going. When these are completed, other calls for tenders will be issued. Following that, there will be further calls regarding landscaping.

Works are planned to begin in the last quarter of this year. The project is 90% funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (2007-2013).

PM defends Mepa from ‘rigid procedures’ claim

Censu Galea (PN) claimed that many practices which were put in practice at Mepa at the beginning of this year are turing into ‘rigid procedures’, and there are complaints by architects as well as applicants. He thus asked that these procedures be analysed and possibly changed.

But Dr Gonzi replied that these proceedings regarding applications and their processing were put in place following consultations with the Kamra tal-Periti and also with architects in various meetings that were held. Following the publication of the Legal Notice, Mepa is holding regular meetings with the council of the Kamra tal-Periti to investigate the complaints so that the system gets better.

Thefts at St Vincent de Paul

Over the past year and a quarter the following items have been reported as having been stolen at St Vincent de Paul Residence: two necklaces, two pairs of earrings, three bracelets, a mobile phone and €800. Minister Joe Cassar was replying to Evarist Bartolo (PL).

Marsaxlokk parvis paving

The paving around Marsaxlokk church, which now has had to be replaced, cost around €150,000, Minister George Pullicino told Charles Buhagiar (PL). Choosing his words carefully, the minister added that the damage was caused when cars were allowed on the paving and to park on it. Originally, bollards had been put in place to protect this paving, but the bollards had been removed ‘not by the central government’. Besides, over the past years other works had been done in the area, ditches were dug and work involving the Rising Main had been carried out. Following these works, it would have been difficult to reinstate the original paving. Thus the paving has now been changed, considering that Xatt is-Sajjieda was also being paved recently. The new paving is estimated to cost just under €200,000 and bollards will be put in to ensure no cars are allowed on the paving.

PBS made profit out of Maltasong for Europe

For the first time ever, PBS made a net profit from the organisation of Maltasong for Europe. Besides, no public money was used and the festival was produced in a commercial manner, Minister Dolores Cristina told Gino Cauchi (PL). The minister also listed the expenses involved, including €23,000 for the venue, €38,000 for the stage, €25,000 for the lighting and €17,000 for the screens. All the tenders were given after a call for offers.