The €11 million Reverse Osmosis Plant in Gozo is scheduled to start operating by the end of this year, with 70% of works completed and remainder now in the last phase, the testing phase will start within a few months, the Government has said.

The plant, located in Hondoq, will provide the island with its own independent water production system, providing Gozitan residents with the provision and improved access to better-quality water.

This €11 million project which is co-financed by European funds and falls under the management of the Water Services Cooperation (WSC).

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.

“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,” explained Minister Miriam Dalli.

She added that, “tis 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.”

Minister for Gozo Camilleri stated that, “With the introduction of this state-of-the-art Reverse Osmosis, 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,” he said.

Parliamentary Secretary Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi stressed that through European funds, the county will continue to strengthen the structure in water production in Gozo.

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.”

He explained that 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.

File photo

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