During a follow-up visit to the Grand Harbour Clean Air Project, Minister Ian Borg and Parliamentary Secretary Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi announced that 50% of the first phase of this project is now ready.
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg mentioned that in the last six months, Infrastructure Malta has built the two frequency converters located in Marsa and Senglea that will introduce shore-to-ship electricity in the Grand Harbour.
Minister Ian Borg said, “This is a very ambitious project where in addition to achieving environmental goals in line with European directives we will also be solving many other problems that have been caused by air pollution such as health problems, namely respiratory diseases. With a substantial 90% reduction in air pollution and around 17,000 families benefiting from cleaner air, this is undoubtedly another demonstration of a government with a clear environmental vision for our country. It is worth mentioning that according to preliminary studies it is indicated that through this project, within 20 years, our country will be saving around €375 million in costs linked to the measurable consequences of air pollution. It is in this way that this social government will continue to work for the greater good of the people and make sure that everyone truly benefits from a better quality of life”.
Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi explained that €21.9 million is being funded by European funds from the Connecting Europe Facility. He said that these are additional funds from the package that was allocated to Malta. This project is innovative and in fact, is one of the first in other ports of EU member states.
Dr Zrinzo Azzopardi concluded that, “This project is undoubtedly another project of substantial environmental value in the series of projects carried out in the Grand Harbour area to improve the lives of people living in this area and the south of the country as a whole.”
Infrastructure Malta is also building smaller structures at Pinto Wharf to house the shoreside equipment required to connect cruise liners to the project’s new electricity network. These buildings will be equipped with 18 transformers, four frequency converters, and 71 switchgear units.
Photos (DOI/MTIP)
