THE MINISTRY FOR GOZO, BY THE MINISTRY FOR ENERGY, ENTERPRISE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, AND BY THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIAT FOR EUROPEAN FUNDS

Works on Gozo’s first Reverse Osmosis enter final phase

Gozo’s first Reverse Osmosis is expected to become operational by the end of the year

Works on the €11 million Reverse Osmosis Plant in Gozo have entered their last phase, in order to provide the island with its own independent water production system.

The plant will provide Gozitan residents with the provision and improved access to better-quality water.

This €11 million project which is co-financed by European funds is located in Qala and falls under the management of the Water Services Cooperation (WSC). It is scheduled to start operating by the end of this year as works have reached 70% completion.

Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development Miriam Dalli, Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri, and Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi toured the works at the plant as equipment is now being placed. Within a few months, the testing phase will start.

“The aim of this project is to keep enhancing the services for Gozitans, so that Gozo will have its own water provision, which is of a better quality, efficient and above all sustainable. This means that Gozo will no longer be dependent on Malta and will have access to water which is of better-quality water through state-of-the-art equipment. The new technology also increases efficiency”, explained Minister Miriam Dalli.

Minister for Gozo Camilleri stated that, “With the introduction of this state-of-the-art Reverse Osmosis, equipped with the latest technology, Gozo will no longer be dependent on Malta. It will play an essential role in the development of Gozo and holds an integral part in strengthening the rural aspect, which distinguishes this island. Our strategy to make Gozo sustainable in water production is holistic and tangible. It is a vision that ensures socio-economic development while preserving Gozo’s unique characteristics. With the introduction of this Reverse Osmosis in Gozo, we will be achieving another goal – both for Gozitans and residents who have chosen Gozo as their home, as well as to protect the distinct rural aspect of this island. This is a government for the people.”

Parliamentary Secretary Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi stressed that through European funds, the county will continue to strengthen the structure in water production in Gozo. He said that this plant is being set up in Hondoq ir-Rummien with the aim of ensuring that Gozo has a safe water supply throughout the year, which is of the best quality, and ensures that the environment is protected.

Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi concluded by saying that, “This project is testament to the government’s commitment to be a government for the people. With this investment co-financed by European funds, we are not only giving better water quality to Gozitans, but we are also ensuring the people of Gozo with the adequate supply all year round”.

From his end, WSC CEO Ivan Falzon said that, “This Reverse Osmosis is proof of our resilience as a country as we constantly face and address challenges. We have regenerated a building that was abandoned for over 30 years, to become a water production centre with the latest technology, so that we will continue reaching our targets”.

The Hondoq ir-Rummien plant will be using modern pumps which will consume less energy. With state-of-the-art technology of remineralisation, the water will have more minerals and will be clearer, thus being of better quality. The Reverse Osmosis will have a catchment capacity to produce 9,000 metres squared of water on daily basis. This system will be fully automated, and the plant will be controlled and operated from remote sites of WSC, with the least manual interventions.

This project will target the Sustainable Development Measure SDG6 – access to water.

Source: Office of the Prime Minister