In the coming days, work is to commence for fuel storage to be moved from the centre of Birzebbuga to an area known as Has-Saptan, which lies between Ghar Dalam and the airport.

The fuel storage tanks, which are currently located on 31 March street, Birzebbuga, in a highly residential area and “a danger to environmental health”, will not be moved to a modern facility in the aforementioned area.

The new facility meets all the required safety standards, allowing the fuel stored inside to be managed more efficiently, according to a press release sent by the Energy Ministry.

Forming part of the Labour Party’s pre-electoral pledges, this move was sanctioned by the Planning Authority on 23 June, with the relevant work contract already being assigned.

Smaller than the Birzebbuga storage facility, the Has-Saptan project will be 35,000 metres squared smaller thanks to the underground facility that has been made available. Bottom loading road tankers will be accommodated through the above ground facility, eliminating the fumes and smoke that can be released into the environment through this process.

“This project is another step in the government’s commitment to implement efficient systems which prioritise the health of people, especially those in the South who for many years suffered large inconveniences through the Marsa power station – that is no longer in use – as well as the Delimara power station..”