On Saturday 17 November 2018 at an event presided by Minister Joe Mizzi, Minister Justyne Caruana, and Parliamentary Secretary Aaron Farrugia, the contract for the new state of the art reverse osmosis in Gozo was signed; with works expected to start in a few weeks. This 11 million euro investment will provide Gozo with a water supply that in terms of quality; security; efficiency; and sustainability will be second to none. From day one upon completion, Gozitans and the increasing number of visitors to the Island of Gozo, will start benefiting from an improved service.
The Reverse Osmosis will have the capacity to produce 9,000 cubic meters of fresh high-quality water per day. Gozo has so far predominantly depended on groundwater and a submarine pipeline from Malta. The plant reaches impressive efficiency levels using just 3.1kwhr per meter cubed produced at a production cost of around EUR 0.40c.
The development is confined within an existing Water Services Corporation site and will involve the restoration of an architectural gem that will serve as the main building housing the machinery. The plant will become an international reference point of excellence and is expected to attract extensive interest from the water production industry.
CEO Richard Bilocca explained that ‘this project forms part of an unprecedented investment in the water sector topping the Euro 130 million mark. The Water Services Corporation is currently implementing a strategy to improve customer experience and continue sustaining a growing economy’.
Mr. Boaz Shitzer signed the contract for AST Clean Water Technologies. The documents were countersigned by Mr. Anthony Cachia, DG of the Department of Contracts.
This project will be coordinated by the Water Services Corporation and will be co-financed through EU Cohesion funds.
