Minister for Sustainable Development, the Environment and Climate Change Leo Brincat stated that all indications show that the Għallis Project will be completed on time, even though when there was a change in Government they found out that there were no MEPA permits for its development yet available.
He was speaking today during a visit to the Magħtab Environmental complex together with top management from WasteServ.
The Minister said that the plant, once completed, will aim to treat over twice the amount of waste currently being sent for treatment at the Sant Antnin Recycling plant.
Minister Brincat rounded up the visit by reminding all those present that €43 million from the total cost of €60 million for this project will be co-financed by the EU Cohesion Fund. Finally he added that apart from supporting the existing Sant` Antnin Waste Treatment Facility, this plant will be a major step forward in the implementation of the Solid Waste Management Strategy for the Maltese Islands by ensuring the diversion of biodegradable waste and other wastes from landfill.
WasteServ Chairman David Borg went on to explain that currently all waste from which no resource can be recovered goes to the engineered landfill of Ghallis. This plant, once up and running will help further reduce waste to landfillextending its life and alleviating the pressure on the Sant Antnin plant.
Chief Project Manager, Jean Luke Zarb added that with Malta generating over 240,000 tonnes of waste a year, of which 200,000 tonnes was mixed and bulky refuse, the new plant will treat 152,000 tonnes of that on its own. He further explained that there will be a mechanical pre-treatment stage of the plant which will treat both mixed municipal solid waste and bulky wastes as well as a biological treatment stage which will treat the organic fraction of MSW. The plant will also offer the facility to treat animal husbandry waste which will be a first for Malta.
Throughout the on-site visit Mr Zarb, highlighted the various stages of progress for the overall project such as the administration office which is already up and functioning, the completed MTP (Mechanical Treatment Plant) shed, the Anaerobic Digestion tank and offices which are also ready. Most of the reservoirs needed for the entire plant have also been finished.