Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1526919
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 22 SEPTEMBER 2024 6 OPINION A strategic investment towards resilience Curating a community-based infrastructure MALTA'S path to sustainability is marked by decisive actions. The recent upgrade of the Sant'Antnin Sewage Treatment Plant is not simply a technical improvement. It's also a stra- tegic investment for our country, repre- senting government's commitment to- wards sustainability and resilience. Wastewater management might not al- ways capture headlines, but it is a critical component of our infrastructure. The en- hancements at Sant'Antnin – now capable of treating an additional 600m³/hour of wastewater with greater energy efficien- cy – are a direct response to our growing needs. This is a necessary step to ensure that Malta remains at the forefront of sus- tainable development in Europe. We have replaced outdated systems with cutting-edge technology, demon- strating that this government is serious about reducing the country's environ- mental footprint. This €7.5 million in- vestment, co-financed by the EU Cohe- sion Fund, is meeting current demands, and also anticipating future challenges. By implementing these upgrades, we are laying the groundwork for a more sus- tainable Malta – one that can withstand the pressures of climate change and pop- ulation growth. This project is also a clear signal to Malta's farmers and its agricultural sec- tor: we are committed to providing the resources required for them to succeed. By improving our wastewater treatment capabilities, we are ensuring that more New Water will be available, safeguard- ing the livelihoods of those who feed our nation. This is about more than just water. It's about leadership. This government is taking bold steps to ensure that Malta's infrastructure is modern and fully pre- pared for the future. The additional €40 million investment planned by 2027 is a clear indication of our long-term vision. We are not satisfied with half-baked measures; we are pushing forward with initiatives that can place Malta at the forefront in different sectors. The work at Sant'Antnin water plant has been addressing another crucial is- sue: the management of livestock farm- yard waste. This step is helping us ease the burden on our urban wastewater systems and enhancing our agricultural output. This government's approach is clear: we are making targeted investments that deliver real results. The Sant'Antnin up- grade is a prime example of this strategy in action. Beyond infrastructure, this is about making Malta stronger and more resilient. The focus must remain on creating ro- bust infrastructure that can meet future demands, and such projects are an op- portunity to build a self-sustaining Mal- ta that takes control of its environmen- tal destiny. We will continue to invest in longterm solutions. We will continue to build a sustainable future, grounding ourselves in resilience. WHEN we think of Malta, the aegis of our community is the first thing that comes to mind. We might probably think of a town centre with different characters gathering for a coffee or families conva- lescing after a long week. Despite the ease that social media has brought in the way we communicate, we clearly know that daily interaction with each other is a cru- cial undertone of our societal stability. Therefore, it is fundamental that our in- frastructure should reflect this by setting the right foreground. Earlier this week, the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Pub- lic Works together with Infrastructure Malta announced a new scheme called 'Vjal Kulħadd'. The scheme allocates a set budget of €10 million and local govern- ments and NGOs have the opportunity to propose a blueprint with their idea for town squares. At a glance, the new scheme has a simple vision: to modernise urban town infrastructures, complemented by the promotion of sustainable methods of transport and thriving green spaces. This isn't a complacent vision. Rath- er, it is an opportunity for local govern- ments and NGOs to collectively address the community's needs, with the national government providing the necessary tools along every step of the way. Firstly, this scheme does not take a one- size-fits-all approach, but fully acknowl- edges that different towns and villages have their own distinguishing factors. Local councils and residents are encour- aged to be part of the consultation pro- cess to ensure that the scheme's intend- ed outcomes are fully met. The recent partial pedestrianisation of the Ta' Xbiex seafront is an example of how commu- nal collaboration can lead to beneficial outcomes for both residents and local businesses. This is just one example of what local councils will have the option of including in their plan, along with new green spaces and public facilities. Too often, our independence can take a step further when we insist that a trip to the corner shop merits taking the car out of the garage. To proselytise this men- tality, our infrastructure must make the thought of ditching the car and opting for a walk or cycling as the obvious choice. By increasing walking paths and cycling routes, we are dually reducing congestion from village cores and promoting sustain- able methods of transport that can posi- tively impact physical and mental health. Miriam Dalli is minister for energy and environment Chris Bonett is minister for transport, infrastructure and public works Miriam Dalli Miriam Dalli Chris Bonett Chris Bonett The Sant'Antnin plant can now treat 600 cubic metres of more sewage every hour