Malta’s water projects draw praise from Environment Commissioner: government
Jessika Roswall was taken on a tour of water and wastewater infrastructure across the island
European Commissioner for Water Resilience Jessika Roswall accompanied Environment Minister Miriam Dalli and Water Services Corporation CEO Karl Cilia on a tour of water and wastewater infrastructure across the island.
The government said in a statement that during her visit, Roswall commended Malta’s investments in water infrastructure, acknowledging the island's innovation in water management.
“It was a great opportunity to see how different types of water management come together and address the water demands of the island. This link is important for the Maltese and for Europe, as we have to step up our endeavours together to invest in water resilience,” she said.
Dalli told the commissioner that through an investment of over €370 million, and supported in part by EU funds, the WSC was preparing the island for the future, adding she believed that Malta could serve as an example to many other countries.
Among others, the Ċumnija Sewage Treatment Plant in Mellieħa is getting an €33.15 million upgrade. The project is now advancing through its design phase, with construction set to commence in the coming months.
The commissioner also visited the Ta' Bakkja groundwater gallery, one of Malta's most significant and least visible water assets. Situated at approximately 100 metres below ground level, the gallery system serves as a gateway to six water tunnels.
From these tunnels, WSC procures around six per cent of all groundwater, which is then mixed with reverse osmosis water before being delivered to consumers across the islands.
At the Għar Lapsi Reverse Osmosis Plant, Roswall was shown the recently commissioned solar installation that now powers part of the plant's operations. The €600,000 project, financed through Green Bonds, covers a roof area of 3,300 square metres and comprises 888 photovoltaic panels with a total capacity of 515 kWp.