With an investment of €6 million, Water Services Corporation (WSC) is carrying out works related to the New Water Network in Gozo. The New Water project is being expanded across Malta and Gozo to support farmers in their produce for a longer period of time.
The ongoing works include a 9km network through Għajnsielem and Kerċem. Thanks to this investment there will be an increase of 60 dispensers in Gozo.
This was announced by the Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development Miriam Dalli, Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri, together with the WSC Chief Executive Ivan Falzon, during a visit at the ongoing works in Santa Luċja, Kerċem Gozo.
Minister Miriam Dalli expalined that WSC is working to improve water quality, as various reservoirs are being roofed to control the network in rural areas. With more than 40km and 200 dispensers will be available across Malta and Gozo.
“The Government will continue providing New Water to more farmers for irrigation. New Water is an essential source for farmers as they benefit from a low salinity water resulting in a positive impact of their crops and a wider and varied production,” said Minister Dalli.
“The rural aspect in Gozo is still strong and this has been confirmed by the latest statistics issued at the beginning of February by the National Statistical Office. Climate change is a phenomenon that cannot be ignored and the Government, through the WSC, is expanding the second-class water network service to provide this essential resource to our farmers,” explained Minister Clint Camilleri.
Minister Camilleri recalled that this is not the only investment made in Gozo in this aspect as over the last few years, valleys have been cleaned to store more water, and recently a reservoir for the storage of rainwater for farmers was inaugurated.
“WSC will continue to invest in infrastructure to continue towards a more circular economy, improving the environment whilst continue offering support the agriculture industry. In the past two years, we doubled the amount of New Water produced, however our targets are more ambitious than this. Today’s investment confirms our commitment to improve the common good,” said Chief Executive Ivan Falzon.
