Pembroke water plant fully operational

Thousands of people in central areas were relieved yesterday to find water trickling back into their tanks, as the Pembroke reverse osmosis plant became fully operational by the morning after shutting down on Wednesday.

However, several families, especially those living in Sliema, will probably have to wait until this morning to have an adequate supply, a spokesman for the Water Services Corporation said.

The plant was forced to close down on Wednesday after power failed due to a fault in a principal 33kV cable running underground between Marsa and Paceville. On Thursday night it was still only working at three-quarters capacity.

No fewer than 24 localities, including Valletta, were left without water.

The WSC spokesman said the delay in Sliema was due to the fact that a number of water pipes there were very old, affecting the water pressure. Those in high buildings would probably be the last to have their tanks refilled.

In fact, a number of residents had to resort to the emergency water bowser service yesterday for their basic needs.

"It's now a matter of time. We have done our utmost to bring the situation back to normal," the spokesman said.

Several Sliema residents called The Times yesterday to complain they had been without water for over 48 hours.

Some consumers contended that the Pembroke plant should not be dependent on Enemalta.

The WSC had explained on Thursday that this would be impossible because of the plant's huge energy needs.

The spokesman urged the public to call customer service on number 157 should the need arise.