Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1529458
5 NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 17 NOVEMBER 2024 JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt Ghallis landfill lifespan extended by two years in race against time WASTESERV will increase the Għallis landfill capacity by ap- proximately 840,000 cubic me- tres in a bid to buy the site a life- line for 29 more months. The extension is necessary to prevent a national waste dispos- al crisis until the new inciner- ator at the EcoHive complex is operational. The national waste agency said the limited void space re- maining at the Għallis landfill was "the most significant waste management issue at a nation- al level". The landfill is the on- ly disposal option – apart from exporting waste at a prohibitive cost – for non-hazardous waste streams where recovery or recy- cling is not viable. Additionally, this extension will provide sufficient time for the proposed waste-to-energy infrastructure to "obtain the re- quired regulatory permits" and for the construction of the nec- essary infrastructure. In light of this, "it is imperative that the lifetime of the Għallis landfill be extended as far as possible," Wasteserv said in a project statement. The Planning Authori- ty approved an incinerator at Magħtab in 2022, which will burn up to 400 tonnes of non-hazardous domestic waste per day. However, the project, initially proposed in 2018, has faced delays in the tendering process. The additional space at the landfill will be used concurrent- ly with the remaining void space created by another application approved in 2022. The project will not take up new land since Wasteserv will be maximising existing space by creating steeper slopes. In essence, this project in- volves the use of compacted waste, lining materials, and engi- neered reinforcement to create a free-standing retaining wall. This wall will have a steeper pro- file than the current lateral side of the remaining Għallis landfill. The retaining wall, with a height varying from 15 to 20 metres, will provide the Għallis landfill with a capping layer as required by the EU's Landfill Directive. In a race against time, this is the second time in four years that the national waste agency has submitted such an applica- tion. The 2022 permit allowed Wasteserv to increase the verti- cal height of the landfill profile to augment its capacity. This followed another per- mit issued in July 2019, which introduced specialised engi- neering techniques to increase the steepness of the profile on the eastern side of the Għallis landfill, thereby increasing void space by just over 300,000 cubic metres. Photomontages of the extended landfill as seen from Coast Road compared to existing situation CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Submit your application DIRECTOR (SUPPORT SERVICES) Aġenzija għas-Ser vizzi tal-Qrati Prospective candidates must be in possession of: • a recognised Master's qualification at MQF Level 7 (subject to a minimum of 90 ECTS/ ECVET credits or equivalent) plus five (5) years' relevant work experience, one (1) of which in a management position; or • a recognised Bachelor's degree at MQF Level 6 (subject to a minimum of 180 ECTS/ECVET credits or equivalent) in Management or Administration or a comparable professional qualification plus eight (8) years' relevant work experience, three (3) of which in a management position. Candidates must also have an in-depth knowledge of project management and procurement and must have good management skills, including a good sense of judgement and decision-making abilities. Candidates must be of conduct which is appropriate to the post. The basic salary for this position at 2024 rates, is equivalent to €41,433 per annum. This position attracts also a yearly all-inclusive Transport Allowance, an Expense Allowance, a Communication Allowance, a Monitoring Allowance, a Training Allowance and Annual Performance Bonus up to a maximum of 15% of the basic salary, subject to satisfactory performance. The position of Director is on a full-time three- year definite contract (renewable) and is subject to a probationary period of one year. Candidates are to submit their letter of application, their qualifications and experience in a Europass Curriculum Vitae Format, a copy of their relevant scanned certificates and a valid Certificate of Conduct by e-mail on recruitment.courts@courtservices.mt. Further information and a comprehensive Job Description may be obtained by contacting the Court Services Agency on recruitment.courts@courtservices.mt. Applications will be received till Friday 29th November 2024 at 13:00 hrs. Eligibility JobsPlus Permit No. 1071/2024