The Rural Affairs and the Environment Ministry has strongly denied Alternattiva Demokratika’s insinuations regarding the installation of incinerators close to reverse osmosis plants, since “this is nothing but an unfounded rumour with no basis”.

AD’s insinuations are simply an attempt at political opportunism that does not take into account the negative environmental impact of such installations and does not consider the government’s effort to use the best technology.

AD had referred to a type of technology that generates energy from waste for the production of water, the ministry said, adding the government is still researching this type of technology.

The government will be signing a memorandum of understanding with the German government in order to make use of technical expertise for the evaluation of all the possibilities for such a technology to be used.

With reference to a statement published by AD on a strategy for waste management, the ministry stated it is concerning that AD is opposing the government’s initiatives to research the best possibilities for the country.

AD did not mention the fact that a German minister from the European Green Party – which AD also forms part of – was involved in the agreement between the Maltese and German governments, said the ministry.

In the statement, the ministry reaffirmed that the national strategy for waste management is expected to be published shortly for public consultation and no decision will be taken before the strategy is finalised.

The ministry added that the revised strategy will include other technologies for the treatment of waste that is presently being disposed of in an engineered landfill.

The ministry said it expects a constructive debate that will lead to a strategy in the best interest of the country; by means of its actions, AD only jump to conclusions in an attempt to cause alarm, the ministry said.