The government has rejected claims made by PN spokesperson Mark Anthony Sammut regarding allegedly non-functioning photovoltaic panels on public schools, describing the allegations as misleading and inaccurate.
In a joint statement, the Ministry for Education, Sport, Youth, Research and Innovation and the Ministry for Gozo and Planning said that all schools in Gozo, as well as the Siġġiewi Primary School, are equipped with photovoltaic panels connected to the national energy grid.
The ministries stated that the installations collectively generate more than 31,940.6 kWp of solar energy annually.
Addressing the allegations, the government said the PN failed to mention that several schools in Gozo, including those in Nadur, Kerċem, Għarb and Żebbuġ, as well as schools in Victoria, have undergone or are currently undergoing renovation works over the past three years. During these projects, some photovoltaic panels were temporarily relocated.
The statement also referred specifically to the Siġġiewi Primary School, insisting that the photovoltaic system installed there is fully operational and continues to provide sustainable energy to the school.
According to the ministries, an intervention was carried out in June last year to strengthen the system’s performance, including the installation of new inverters considered essential for the efficient operation of photovoltaic panels.
The government added that ongoing preventative maintenance is regularly carried out by Public Service technical officials to ensure the systems continue operating efficiently.
The statement concluded by accusing the PN of making baseless allegations and attempting to build its position on energy policy through what it described as inaccurate claims.
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