Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1540988
16 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 2 NOVEMBER 2025 NEWS JAMES DEBONO jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt Enemed submits plans to expand Has-Saptan fuel depot into ODZ land ENEMED has submitted plans to significantly expand its Na- tional Distribution Centre at Ħas-Saptan in Għaxaq, with the proposed development extend- ing further into ODZ land. As proposed, the project in- cludes the embellishment of an existing 6,852sq.m "green park" and new development over 7,648sq.m, consisting of a train- ing hub, and extensions to the truck parking area, workshops, and offices on the remaining ar- ea. The project is also set to in- clude 3,945sq.m of green roofs. The area impacted by the new development is currently cov- ered by trees. The application (PA/7103/25) was submitted as an outline pro- posal, intended to set the plan- ning parameters for a future full development application. According to Enemed, the planned expansion is "vital for securing Malta's fuel supply and energy resilience," reflecting the company's role as a major dis- tributor for the transport, ener- gy, aviation, and marine sectors. "Given the demand Enemed faces and the high safety stand- ards it maintains, the compa- ny must continue investing in its facilities while remaining committed to sustainability," a spokesperson said. The project includes replant- ing trees, introducing addition- al landscaping, and installing an irrigation system that filters rainwater, creating a greener, landscaped buffer zone. In con- sultation with the Superinten- dent of Cultural Heritage, En- emed said it plans to restore the historic Nissen huts as part of a modern training complex. While some new structures are required to accommodate the maintenance and repair area, Enemed stressed that they will not exceed the height of exist- ing buildings and will be topped with green roofs designed to blend into the landscape. The Ħas-Saptan valley area, which already hosts under- ground aviation fuel storage tanks built in the 1970s, lies on the edge of ODZ agricultural land and within an area of en- vironmental sensitivity. Past development in the area has drawn concerns from residents and environmental NGOs about cumulative industrial impact in a rural setting. The current application fol- lows Enemed's 2019 Plan- ning Authority approval (PA/04644/18) for the redevel- opment of the Ħas-Saptan fa- cility. That project involved the modernisation of fuel infra- structure, construction of new offices and workshops, and the rehabilitation of disused areas. Despite objections over ODZ encroachment and environ- mental impact, it was approved as part of a broader effort to up- grade ageing fuel-handling in- frastructure. Aerial view of Has Saptan, showing the area marked in blue where Enemed wants to expand its facilities