€8 million network upgrade at Marsaxlokk and Birzebbuga

21.01.2018

As part of its ongoing investment to improve the quality of service to its customers, Enemalta is currently upgrading the network supplying electricity to Marsaxlokk, Birzebbuga, the industrial zone at Hal Far, and nearby areas

Through this €8 million project, Enemalta is laying 30 kilometres of high voltage cables through a 7-kilometre route from the Delimara Power Station towards Marsaxlokk, Qajjenza, Birżebbuġa and Bengħisa, ending at Ħal Far. These 33 kV and 11 kV cables will increase the capacity and reliability of the connections to the substations and distribution centres that supply electricity to the Company’s customers in these areas.

The project also includes an extension of the Hal Far 33 kV Distribution Centre, which is being reinforced with a new 22.5 MVA transformer and new 33 kV and 11 kV switchgear panels. This upgrade is improving the reliability of this network node whilst providing a twofold increase in the capacity of the area’s electricity distribution system. Enemalta is thus also preparing its infrastructure for the additional electricity required by several upcoming investments, including new factories and other workplaces that are scheduled to come on stream in the next few years.      

The project was launched several weeks ago, with four different teams carrying out the trenching and cable laying works along different parts of the Delimara – Hal Far route. Enemalta engaged Maltese and Italian road contractors to provide the necessary resources to complete these works in the shortest time possible, in line with project timeframes. Over a third of the cable laying and jointing works are ready. This weekend, the Company’s contractors started laying the final surface layers of asphalt along parts of the route at Marsaxlokk and the Benghisa area of Birzebbuga.   

Enemalta is also collaborating with Transport Malta and with the respective local councils to lay new layers of asphalt across the entire width of the roads where the works will be taking place, and not just the parts that are being dug up. In some cases, Enemalta’s contractors are also rebuilding the foundations of parts of the road that had not been properly constructed in the past.

Before commencing the works, Enemalta consulted the respective local councils and other entities to make sure that any other road works required along the project route are completed before the roads are resurfaced.

Ing. Fredrick Azzopardi, Enemalta plc Chairman, thanked the employees, contractors and government entities who are supporting the Company in the implementation of this important project. “Our network projects team is closely following the works to ensure that all works are completed in the shortest time possible. We are committed to continue upgrading our country’s electricity infrastructure to offer better quality electricity services to all our customers.”

The project is expected to be completed during the first half of 2018.