The Chamber of Geologists is proposing what it said was "a crucial measure" to the government in its pre-budget proposal: establishing a National Geological Service.
This year's pre-budget document highlights five areas of action, a statement by the chamber said.
Reliance on geology to improve construction and infrastructure
Malta's current construction and infrastructure problems can be mitigated by properly applying geology to the construction industry. The Chamber proposes that the profession of a geologist be officially recognized to ensure and be part of proper site assessments and to help guide projects of building and construction.
Establishment of a national Geological Service
Malta is the only country in Europe without a national Geological Service. The Chamber is proposing the establishment of this service to provide technical advice on natural resources, manage geological data, and guide the government on issues related to energy and mineral resources.
Economic diversification through natural resources
The Chamber highlights Malta's underexplored continental shelf (Exclusive Economic Zone), which is a vast area of over 70,000 km², as a significant asset for natural gas and other resources. Developing these resources and identifying new alternatives could provide new economic opportunities and reduce Malta's high dependency on imported hydrocarbons (oil and gas) for energy.
Mitigating geological hazards
The Geological Service is crucial for identifying and mitigating geological hazards like rock falls, landslides, and coastal erosion. A geological hazards map is needed to inform developers and the public about potential risks, but no progress has been made on this despite the Chamber's recommendations to the Building Construction Authority a few years ago.
Proposed solutions for traffic and land use
To combat severe traffic congestion and limited land, the Chamber suggests building tunnels under main urban areas to redirect vehicle traffic, freeing up surface roads for public transport and open spaces. The Chamber proposes creating an offshore island through land reclamation to relocate major land uses like the airport, freeing up land on Malta for agriculture and reforestation. The safe construction of tunnels requires expert geological input.