Malta 'reduced to third world status', repeated power cuts unacceptable - Forum

Forum president John Bencini has reacted harshly to the latest string of power cuts experienced in several localities and for which Enemalta has insisted they were caused by faulty cables.

"People have had enough of the repeated power cuts and no country in the European Union is going through such a serious situation," Bencini said in a statement.

"We are in 2012 and reduced to a third world status - if not worse. This summer will go down in history as the most difficult for the elderly, the sick and businesses."

Bencini said thousands of families are being forced to throw away their food, while thousands others cannot rest during this heat wave because, the frequent outages, doesn't allow them to switch on any fans or air conditioners. He said that while businesses are being forced to close and workers sent home, no one is shouldering the responsibility for the repeated power cuts.

"Enemalta is not convincing in the justifications it is giving. We are now risking ridicule because the cables are 'stressed'... They are the Maltese who are stressed because of this gross incompetence," he said.

Bencini said that more worrying was that millions were spent out of the country's coffers to build a new power station "that will certainly not keep up with the demand".

"Tourists are shocked and this will certainly have a negative impact on the tourism industry. Forum expects the minister responsible of energy to be accountable and shoulders his responsibility. This is what the Maltese expect," Bencini added.