MediaToday Newspapers Latest Editions

WASTESERV has issued a ten- der for excavation works aimed at increasing the capacity of an existing engineered Magħtab landfill by more than 2.9 million cubic metres, equivalent to about 1,100 Olympic-sized swimming pools. The project will be carried out in two phases and involves ex- cavating a landfill built in 2004, increasing its depth from 10m to 54m. The works are intended to significantly expand its capacity while making more efficient use of existing infrastructure. WasteServ CEO Richard Biloc- ca said the project was about making the best possible use of existing resources and infrastruc- ture while minimising environ- mental impact. "The project complements WasteServ's wider investment in alternative waste treatment in- frastructure, while ensuring that existing landfill capacity is used more efficiently as the country works towards reducing its reli- ance on landfilling," Bilocca said. In line with this approach, waste material removed in prepara- tion for the excavation is being repurposed as part of a separate infrastructure project designed to maximise the capacity of an existing landfill. Using a patented technique, the material is being used to build the foundation of a retaining wall around an existing landfill. The solution will allow the landfill's slope angle to increase to about 70 degrees, compared with the conventional 30 degrees, sig- nificantly expanding its capaci- ty without requiring additional land. Once the waste has been re- moved and excavation of the un- derlying bedrock begins, the se- lected contractor will be required to process the extracted stone in- to construction products rather than discard it. The approach is expected to conserve valuable natural re- sources and generate significant financial savings, with the value of the processed materials help- ing to offset a substantial portion of the project's costs. WasteServ said it remained committed to developing inno- vative, practical and sustainable solutions to maximise existing resources, reduce environmen- tal impact and ensure Malta is equipped to manage its waste needs in the years ahead. 6 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 21 OCTOBER 2026 NEWS KARL AZZOPARDI kazzopardi@mediatoday.com.mt WasteServ tender aims to boost landfill capacity by 2.9 million cubic metres WasteServ issues tender for excavation works aimed at increasing the capacity of an existing engineered Maghtab landfill by more than 2.9 million cubic metres JAELLE BORG jborg@mediatoday.com.mt John Cassar, accused of murdering his mother, faces separate charges John Cassar, 47, pleads not guilty to harassing his wife and breaching a restraining order, with the defence making no request for bail JOHN Cassar, who is also ac- cused of murdering his mother and attempting to murder his fa- ther during an incident in Mqab- ba on 15 October, has pleaded not guilty to separate charges of harassing his wife and breaching a restraining order over messag- es allegedly sent between 13 and 14 October. Cassar, 47, a self-employed man from Siġġiewi, appeared in court on Tuesday charged with several offences relating to alleged do- mestic violence against his wife. The charges include harass- ment, threats through electronic communications, breaching a re- straining order and committing an offence during the operative period of a supervision order. The prosecution is also treating Cassar as a recidivist in view of his previous convictions. The court heard that Cassar al- legedly sent several messages to his wife between 13 and 14 Oc- tober, despite being subject to a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting her in any way. His wife subsequently filed a domestic violence report at the Santa Luċija police station on the night of 14 October. A risk assessment initially in- dicated that the woman was not at severe risk. However, she sub- sequently reported feeling har- assed by the messages, prompt- ing police to request an arrest warrant. Cassar was arrested at 8:26am on Tuesday at the Corradino Correctional Facility. During submissions concerning the va- lidity of his arrest, the defence sought clarification on the prin- cipal reason that had led to his arrest but ultimately did not con- test its validity. When asked during the court's assessment of his personal de- tails whether his parents were still alive, Cassar replied that he did not know. The defence did not request bail. The court also issued a further protection order in favour of his wife, despite an existing order re- maining in force until 12 May. The prosecution was led by In- spector Christian Cauchi, while Lawyer Matthew Xuereb repre- sented Cassar. Magistrate Kevan Azzopardi presided over the case. John Cassar (right) arrives in court shortly before his arraignment over the murder of his mother and assault against his father (Photo: Jaelle Borg/ MaltaToday)

• Cover