Malta Employers has reiterated its call for a coordinated, long-term approach to infrastructure planning, stressing that the recent electricity outages should be viewed as part of broader structural challenges facing the country rather than as an isolated issue.
The Association said in a statement that its concerns predate the recent outages and form part of a wider discussion on ensuring that Malta's infrastructure keeps pace with economic growth, population increases and the country's future ambitions.
Malta Employers reiterated its position during two separate meetings, the first held within the MCESD framework with the relevant government Ministers and senior Enemalta officials, and the second with representatives of the Opposition and other MCESD members.
During these discussions, the Association acknowledged the efforts made by Enemalta in managing the emergency situations and said that the corporation had dealt with the immediate challenges relatively well. However, it stressed that the outages highlighted the need for stronger long-term planning and investment.
Malta Employers President Ivan Refalo said electricity was a vital component of Malta's competitiveness but warned that the challenge extends beyond energy supply.
"Recent events have shown the importance of ensuring that our infrastructure is capable of supporting Malta's continued growth. Electricity is one important element, but similar pressures are being experienced across other areas, including our roads, healthcare services, public transport and drainage systems. Rather than reacting to individual challenges as they arise, Malta needs a coordinated and forward-looking approach that ensures infrastructure investment is aligned with the country's long-term ambitions, including those outlined in Malta Vision 2050."
During these meetings, the Association said that the pace of development, construction activity and population growth had placed increasing pressure on national resources and infrastructure. It recommended the establishment of an inter-ministerial body to coordinate infrastructure planning and long-term investment across government, ensuring a more strategic and joined-up approach.
It also proposed short-term measures to mitigate the impact of electricity disruptions, including a public campaign promoting responsible electricity use, ensuring that energy subsidies do not encourage wasteful consumption, improving customer care and communication channels during outages, and a more active role for the Regulator for Energy and Water Services (REWS).
Director General Kevin J Borg said that businesses need confidence that the country has the capacity and infrastructure to support their investment, innovation and growth aspirations.
"Competitiveness is built both on sound economic policy and on the reliability and resilience of the systems that underpin our growth. This is about creating the right foundations for sustainable growth and maintaining Malta's attractiveness as a place to live, work and invest," he argued.
Malta Employers reiterated its commitment to working constructively with Government, the Opposition and all social partners to contribute towards solutions that strengthen national infrastructure and support Malta's long-term economic and social objectives.