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6 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 4 NOVEMBER 2026 NEWS Two months of traffic disruptions expected as Enemalta begins Sliema works ENEMALTA will begin works on Wednesday to install a new elec- tricity cable between Manoel Is- land and Sliema Ferries, with traf- fic disruptions expected along the seafront for the next two months. During this period, the bus lane running parallel to the seafront will be closed to allow excavation and cable-laying works to take place, while traffic heading out of Sliema will be reduced to a single lane. In a statement issued on Tues- day, Enemalta explained that the project involves installing a new 4.5-kilometre, 11kV cable to strengthen the electricity network in Gżira and Sliema, where de- mand has increased considerably in recent years. According to Enemalta, the ex- isting cable has accumulated a high number of joints over years of service, making it increasingly vulnerable to faults. The new cable will offer high- er capacity to meet the growing electricity demand in the area by providing a direct connection be- tween the Manoel Island Distribu- tion Centre and central Sliema. Enemalta will also be installing 2.7 kilometres of low-voltage ca- bles to further reinforce the area's electricity network. The works are expected to take around two months to complete. Reporting by Eva Brannon A 15-year-old boy has been charged with assaulting his mother after an argument over his wish to get a tattoo allegedly turned violent at the family home in Żabbar. The boy pleaded not guilty to slightly injuring his moth- er, insulting both his parents and causing them fear of vio- lence. Prosecuting Inspector Chris- tian Cauchi told the court that police were alerted to a domestic dispute involving the teenager and his parents at around 2am on Tuesday. The court heard that ten- sions had been mounting over the boy's behaviour, includ- ing his cocaine and cannabis use and his habit of returning home late at night. The situa- tion escalated when the teen- ager expressed his wish to get a tattoo, which his mother op- posed. The argument eventual- ly turned physical, with the boy grabbing his mother and banging her head against a wall. Police arrested the teenager at around 3am. A representative of Child Protection Services attended court to assist the boy. The prosecution requested a protection order in favour of both parents, with the court warning the teenager that he was not permitted to ap- proach or contact either of them. The defence did not request bail since the teenager has no alternative accommodation available outside the family home. The defence requested the court to recommend the pris- on director that assistance be given to the boy regarding the issues he is facing. Inspector Christian Cauchi prosecuted. Legal aid lawyer Viktor Bugeja represented the teen- ager. Magistrate Nadine Sant Lia presided over the arraign- ment. 15-year-old boy charged with injuring mother during family argument MAYA GALEA mgalea@mediatoday.com.mt Law courts, Valletta The works are expected to take around two months to complete (Photo: Enemalta)