‘Workers looking forward to a new Enemalta’ – energy minister

Energy Minister Konrad Mizzi today met Enemalta employees to discuss the corporation's financial situation and brief them on government's plans for a turnaround, including the Chinese memorandum of understanding.

Addressing journalists following the meeting, Mizzi said he was "very pleased" with the workers' feedback who raised various questions about Enemalta's future.

"We explained to them what this memorandum of understanding means and we also told them we wanted to avoid a similar Air Malta situation where it was Brussels who dictated the company's restructuring process," Mizzi said.

According to the minister, the workers looked forward to operate within a new framework and were reassured that the Chinese company, Shanghai Power Electric would be a minority shareholders.

"Everyone is in favour of this investment, with the exception of the Opposition leader," Mizzi quipped, adding that he was even informed that some members within the PN also agreed with it.

The minister would however not confirm the 35% stake, as announced by junior minister Edward Zammit Lewis, insisting that the stake had yet to be determined.

"The MoU set principles and not amounts. That will come during the six-month discussion as we set up a business plan. The 35% figure was hypothetical," he said, adding that Chinese company may have three board members.

"We will be transparent all the way and keep workers abreast so they can also be part of this voyage. We want Enemalta to be a corporation of high standards, generating profits and new jobs."

He noted that Enemalta had a huge cash flow problem, to the extent that last year not even the excise duty due to government was paid.

The energy minister however did not rule out any early retirement schemes. Insisting it was yet too early to say anything, Mizzi added that if workers expressed such a wish then the government would look into it.

Many of the workers were aged over 50 and 55 and those who retired would not be replaced.

"What we remain committed to is that all workers' jobs are guaranteed," he said.

Through the setting up of an energy service centre and PV company, Mizzi said new quality jobs will be created and training for workers and apprenticeship will be provided.

"What impressed the Chinese is the workers' skilled flexibility," he said.

After the meeting, Mizzi travelled to Marsa and Delimara to meet the workers who couldn't attend the afternoon session.