The government today submitted a formal application with MEPA for the removal of the Shell oil tanks from Birzebbuga.
The announcement was made by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat at a political activity in Birzebbuga. “This installation has stood here since 1919 but we will be dismantling it during this legislature. We will be improving the quality of air and life by taking this structure away from your homes. You have been suffering for far too long and it is high time you get something in return.”
Dr Muscat said a number of projects were planned for the area, including the Qajjenza promenade. He said the government was carrying out projects in all corners of Malta and Gozo because every citizen and town deserved some of the wealth that is being generated.
Dr Muscat also announced that Malta was the only country not to be slapped by legal action by the European Commission. “The Commission said today that it has launched legal action against 27 out of 28 member states over failures to translate the EU’s Energy Efficiency Directive into national law. Malta was the only country to pass that test. This result is no coincidence. How can we not be optimistic?”
The Prime Minister said the government has turned the trust put in it by the people into concrete results. It has managed incredible feats, like saving Enemalta, reducing energy tariffs and attracting millions in foreign direct investment.
Businesses will be next to benefit from lower tariffs, which will be decreased by 25% next week. In contrast, the previous administration had promised to complete the interconnector project but had not even applied for the necessary permits when the PL was elected to power two years ago. The current administration made up for lost time and the interconnector will be switched on in a couple of weeks.
Dr Muscat said the government had closed down the Marsa power station and will regenerate the Marsaxlokk area, compensating the residents for all the years of inconvenience caused by the Delimara power station.