Work on a new 1.9-kilometer sewer to expand wastewater infrastructure in St. Paul’s Bay is advancing rapidly, the government said in a statement Saturday. The deepest shaft of the project has been completed, and preparations for the tunnelling operation are currently underway. A state-of-the-art trenchless technology known as ‘micro-tunnelling’ is being used for this project.
Minister for the Environment, Energy and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour Miriam Dalli met the Water Services Corporation’s employees and contractors engaged on this project, on the site of the ongoing excavation works, on World Water Day on 22nd March 2024. She was accompanied by Water Services Corporation CEO Karl Cilia.
This €6.4 million project will improve wastewater management in St Paul’s Bay, the residential areas near Kennedy Grove and other neighbourhoods in this locality. Water Services Corporation is adopting a sustainable and efficient trenchless system, using microtunnelling technology rather than carrying excavation works.
Workers excavated the 26-metre launching shaft, one of the project’s most challenging phases. The micro tunnelling machinery will now be lowered down in this shaft to start drilling the sewer, ranging from four to 50 metres below ground. Besides the main launching shaft, another shaft, 25-metres in depth, is currently being excavated. The Corporation will moreover be excavating three more shafts along the tunnel route, as part of the project.
The new sewer is one of several projects that the Corporation is implementing in different localities, including Marsa, St Julian’s, Msida and Birżebbuġa, to increase the efficiency and sustainability of the country’s wastewater infrastructure and operations, while meeting current and future requirements.
Minister Dalli explained that these projects are part of the Water Services Corporation’s €310 million National Investment Plan 2023-2033, to revolutionise the management and sustainability of Malta’s water and wastewater sector.
“On World Water Day, we are recognising the efforts of many workers engaged in the management and development of Malta’s water and wastewater systems. This project at St Paul’s Bay is one of many ongoing and upcoming investments to tackle important challenges affecting our water resources, including climate change,” Minister Miriam Dalli said.
“Improved wastewater infrastructure and increased investment in the production of New Water for agriculture will continue to increase the sustainability of Malta’s wastewater operations, with more water recycling, less groundwater extraction and lower risks of pollution and other impacts on our land and marine environments,” the Minister added.
Karl Cilia emphasised the importance of the St Paul’s Bay project. “Through these upgrades, we are boosting our commitment to safeguard public health and to protect our natural environment for future generations. These projects reflect our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in our services to the community,” Mr Cilia said.