Works are underway on a project of around €2 million to reconstruct and structurally reinforce a compromised section of the Fiddien Reservoir in Rabat, an important component of Malta’s historic water storage infrastructure.
Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness Miriam Dalli and Water Services Corporation CEO Karl Cilia were briefed on site about the technical intervention being implemented to restore the reservoir’s structural stability.
The intervention focuses on the reconstruction of one corner of the reservoir where progressive settlement and rotational movement were detected due to geotechnical instability associated with deep clay layers beneath the structure. The project follows over two years of structural monitoring, geotechnical investigations, and detailed engineering analysis aimed at identifying the causes of the displacement and determining the most appropriate long-term solution.
The Fiddien Reservoir forms part of Malta’s historic water storage network and is believed to have been constructed in the 1950s during the expansion of reinforced concrete water infrastructure across the islands. The structure consists of reinforced concrete columns and roof slabs designed to support large water storage volumes that contribute to the island’s water supply system.
Located within the Fiddien valley catchment area in the Rabat-Mtarfa region, the reservoir sits within the broader hydrological system connected to the Chadwick Lakes valley network, one of Malta’s most significant historic freshwater catchment systems used for water storage and irrigation.
During the visit, Minister Dalli emphasised the importance of investing in the resilience and long-term reliability of Malta’s water infrastructure. “This project highlights the importance of proactively maintaining and strengthening the infrastructure that underpins Malta’s water supply system. Facilities such as the Fiddien Reservoir form part of a historic network that has served the country for decades, and ensuring their structural integrity is essential for the continued reliability of our national water resources. Through detailed monitoring, thorough geotechnical investigation, and carefully designed engineering solutions, this intervention addresses complex ground conditions while preserving and reinforcing existing infrastructure. By investing in projects like this, we are not only resolving present structural challenges but also safeguarding critical national assets so that they continue to serve communities reliably for many years to come.”
Officials from the Water Services Corporation explained that the works are being implemented using specialised engineering techniques designed to ensure the stability of the remaining reservoir structure throughout the intervention, while establishing a new foundation system capable of resisting future settlement and structural movement.
“The Fiddien Reservoir is a critical asset in our national water network, and this intervention ensures it continues to serve that role reliably. We identified the structural issues early, responded with the right engineering solution, and we are committed to applying that same proactive approach across our infrastructure,” WSC CEO Karl Cilia stated.
The Water Services Corporation is also set to upgrade the pipeline infrastructure connecting Fiddien Reservoir, to the national water network, with co-funding from the European Union. The project will replace two severely deteriorated cast iron trunk mains with modern ductile iron cement-lined pipelines, restoring the reservoir’s ability to supply localities including Mgarr, Zebbiegħ, and Qormi by gravity, and reinstating its role as a strategic storage buffer for the Ta’ Qali hub. This investment will reduce energy consumption and strengthen Malta’s potable water reserves for years to come.
