Government cuts utility charges for fishermen by up to 57%

Electricity and water service charges for fishing vessels are to be reduced by up to 57%, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced during a visit to Marsaxlokk.

Full-time and part-time fishermen operating MFA and MFB registered vessels will benefit from a 55% reduction in electricity charges and a 57% reduction in water charges. Electricity charges for MFC registered vessels will also be cut by 17%.

The prime minister said the reductions are intended to ease the operational burden on fishermen, improve working conditions, and support further investment and growth in the sector.

The government also plans to begin discussions on transforming an abandoned building at Xatt is-Sajjieda into an efficient facility that meets the sector's needs under the Malta Food Agency.

This site will also include storage facilities for fishermen.

Abela was accompanied on his visit to Marsaxlokk by Permanent Secretary for Fisheries Sharlo Camilleri and General Director for Fisheries Bjorn Azzopardi.

Later, Minister for Public Works Alison Zerafa Civelli joined the prime minister on a visit to the Marsaxlokk local council to meet with Mayor Steven Grech and other councillors.