Power stations may not be able to meet demand by 2010

The two power stations will not be able to meet the country's needs by 2010 if the demand for electricity continues to rise at the rate forecast today, a topic paper drawn up by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority has shown.

The topic paper also says that a mere 10 per cent of domestic sewage is currently being treated at the Sant' Antnin treatment plant, and the sludge resulting from the treatment was still being discharged raw into the sea.

MEPA yesterday released two separate studies (in the form of topic papers) on 'public utilities' and 'urban conservation and built environment'.

The studies are part of the structure plan review which examines the land-use implication over the next 20 years.

MEPA has already published similar studies on issues like tourism, employment and waste management.

The 'public utilities' topic paper, presented during a press conference yesterday by Mr Bjorn Bonello, assesses the land-use requirements for the five main utility sectors - water, sewage, energy, telecommunications and postal services.

A common issue that emerged from this study is the need for all utility providers to increase provision, improve distribution and consolidate existing networks especially in areas that are intensely developed.

According to the topic paper, the four reverse osmosis plants are currently working at half their capacity and no new plants are envisaged until 2010.

The topic paper stresses the need to have a national storm water management plan that will provide for effective use of storm water, prevent water run-off, and minimise flooding.

"Unfortunately, intensive development has resulted in the increase of the impermeable surface areas that exacerbate the storm water problem," the report says.

The paper refers to the need to promote more renewable energy, though it points out that sources such as windfarms were restrained because of limited land area.

Just 10 per cent of domestic sewage is treated at Sant' Antnin sewage treatment plant, which is then reused by industry and agriculture, the paper says.

The study notes that the sewerage infrastructure development is often slow to react to the intensification of urban development.

The current structure plan and the sewerage master plan require that three sewage treatment plants - two in Malta and one in Gozo - should be constructed. This will result in the closure of the Anchor Bay, Wied Mielah, and San Blas outfalls.

The energy topic paper states that between 1990 and 2000, the electricity generated to meet demand increased by an average of five per cent per annum, a figure which is expected to decrease to three per cent by 2010.

The Marsa power station is capable of producing 272 megawatts, while the Delimara plant performs at 305 megawatts. It is, however, estimated that demand may rise to some 600 and 700 MW in eight years' time.

Although both power plants may be upgraded to increase output, there could be potential for other smaller generation plants, the paper says.

The telecommunications paper states that local operators are preparing for the introduction of third generation phones or Universal Mobile Telephone System, a technology which requires a wide bandwidth to secure a reliable service.

Operators expect an increase in the number of base stations from the estimated 150 currently in use by each operator to "at least" 400 stations.

However, the paper points out that the opportunities to share the infrastructure were not being adequately exploited by the operators.

The 'urban conservation and built environment' topic paper highlights the key issues, threats and challenges pertaining to urban areas and suggest a strategic direction for the new structure plan.

The paper, which was presented by Malcolm Borg, highlights the need to reverse the migration of people from the inner harbour area and the urban conservation areas.

The trend for the conversion of buildings from residential to other uses was not successfully addressed by the current approach, the paper says.

According to the topic paper, too much weight has been given to conservation and preservation at the "expense" of rehabilitation and regeneration.

Referring to the historic monuments, the paper warns that Malta's archaeological heritage is at risk in various other locations, including the Tarxien temples and the Ghajn Dwieli tombs that are surrounded and encroached upon by housing development.

Two public meetings are being held to discuss the findings and proposals - at the Le Meridien Phoenicia on August 20 between 9 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. and at the Grand Hotel in Gozo on the same day between 5 p.m. and 8.30 p.m.

Copies of the topic paper may be obtained from MEPA or viewed on www.mepa.org.mt.