Although the first part of the Sant Antnin recycling plant is set to start operation on 28 January, the other two sites previously mentioned by the government for siting the plants have not yet been chosen.
“We are still trying to study the technologies needed for the other recycling plants,” Minister for Rural Affairs and Environment George Pullicino said.
Pullicino was accompanying Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi during a visit to the Sant Antnin plant to introduce the installation of the first phase of the plant. The other two proposed recycling plants were planned for Gozo and in the north of Malta.
Another project in the pipeline proposed by the government was the recreational park which was to be developed close to the recycling plant area next to the Razzett tal- Hbiberija premises. Pullicino announced the park would be finished later on this year. No tentative date was given despite the colourful details highlighted earlier last year just days before the local council elections.
A few days before the local council elections last year, the government had stated that electricity bills would be subsidised for Marsaskala residents. Asked if this is still in the offing, Pullicino said “this would be possible since the plant shall be generating by utilising the gases from the waste.” Further to that, Gonzi added that 1,400 households shall benefit from this energy.
Pullicino said government was considering that residents residing close to similar recycling plants could benefit from this provision of energy.
During the visit, Wasteserv head engineer Vince Magri described how the mechanical recycling plant will start treating 36,000 tonnes of recyclable waste. The part treating organic waste, generated mainly from households, shall start operating by the end of the year. This will treat another 35,000 tonnes of waste.
The total cost of the upgrading of the Sant Antnin cost €27 million. Pullicino said that 70% of the project is funded by the European Union.