Government explains use of Delimara tunnel

The tunnel in the vicinity of Delimara formed part of a series of underground channels being developed by Enemalta to facilitate the distribution of electricity and "was never intended for the transfer of waste material", the government said yesterday.

The government was referring to the report which appeared in The Times yesterday entitled Government Sees Potential Of Waste-To-Energy Project: Tunnel Being Built Between Waste Plant And Power Station.

The report said, among other things, that "government sources told The Times that a plan drafted for the Environment Ministry some time ago earmarks the tunnel (in the vicinity of Delimara) as a "potential waste-to-energy link..."

The government said the network being developed by Enemalta includes tunnels linking Santa Venera to Mosta and Delimara to Marsa.

"To date, the government has only had initial suggestions on a number of technical concepts for potential alternative use for the tunnel but no decision has yet been taken. Thus, there has been no need for further evaluation of this potential to be carried out.

"As reported in the article itself, the government reiterates that, to date, the only use envisaged for this tunnel is the distribution of electricity. The government remains committed that any proposals for waste management are subject to a thorough consultation exercise."