Enemalta begins replacement of Gozo overhead lines with underground cables

Enemalta is laying 10 kilometres of new high voltage underground cables in Mellieha to replace the old overhead lines that supply electricity to Gozo, the company announced this morning.

Earlier this month, Enemalta started laying two new XLPE-insulated 33 kV underground cable connections between the Armier Vendôme distribution centre, which services Gozo and Comino, and the Mellieha distribution centre, which supplies the former with electricity through three connections.

According to Enemalta, once these new connections are energised, the old overhead lines and their pylons will be dismantled.

The first phase of the project includes the excavation and cable laying works at the Ghadira Bay area, which is expected to be completed before summer, Enemalta said. It added that between June and September, the company will be laying cables in other sections of the route to avoid traffic disruptions close to the area’s beaches.

The final excavation and cable laying works are expected to be ready by autumn of this year.

Enemalta said that the €1.6 million project would reduce the risk of storm damages and other difficulties associated with the operation, repair and maintenance of overhead lines, as well as the elimination of the visual impact.