15 - 21March 2001

Eight proposals submitted to ‘rehabilitate’ Malta’s worst eyesore

by Ivan Brincat

The country’s national eyesore could become history and be turned into something to be proud of when a final proposal for the “rehabilitation” of Maghtab is chosen by the government.
Eight valid proposals were presented yesterday morning to the Director of Contracts in a bid to take on a most difficult development task.
The cost of turning Maghtab into a decent, habitable area will cost millions of liri and sources told The Malta Business Weekly yesterday that the proposals range from interesting to impressive.
In their proposal, the eight bidders have to provide for the development and operation of an integrated system for the receipt, management, treatment, processing and disposal of solid waste in Malta and Gozo. Among the plans being proposed one finds the development of an artificial lake surrounded by villas and resorts just off the landfill and the construction of artificial islands or towers.
Speaking to The Malta Business Weekly, Environment Minister Francis Zammit Dimech, stressed that a final decision will be taken on the plans being proposed but the solution must be “environmentally clean”.
Dr Zammit Dimech said although the government was looking at foreign investment playing a part in the project, the final decision will be based on how environmentally friendly the solution is.
The adjudication period has been set at 16 weeks, however this could be extended if need be, the minister said. He pointed out that part of the adjudication process will be carried out by a group of consultants appointed by the European Union for waste management projects.
Sources yesterday told The Malta Business Weekly that the removal of the landfill and the huge ‘mountain’ that has grown over the years will have to be removed. The sources added that one proposal consists in the development of a sports complex and the construction of a breakwater at sea for yachts.
All proposals had to be submitted to the Director of Contracts by 10am yesterday morning. One proposal, by the Lebanese company Sukleen International Ltd, was rejected because the requested bid bond of Lm200,000 from a Swiss bank was not cleared by the Central Bank. This meant that the company was disqualified from the bidding process.
The Director of Contracts also received another four proposals but these were rejected as well because they did not have a bid bond included. All proposals will be opened by the Environment Department.
The proposals have been submitted by a range of local businessmen and foreign companies with waste management expertise. Among those present were Edmund Gatt Baldacchino of United Group and Edward Licari representing the San Marco consortium, Angelo Xuereb, Ian Mizzi and Austin Sammut among others.
The offers received were from Malta III Millennio, SITA, Polidano Waste Ltd and Idroedil SRL, Globex Team Joint Venture, San Marco Consortium, Teknologia Ambient Ltd, Galva Spa and Coopcostruttori Scarl, C & D Waste Consortium and Polidano Brothers Ltd and Staedtereinigung West Nolting GMBH and Co KG.
The government has appointed a selection board presided by Albert Attard who was permanent secretary in the ministry of finance. Integrated Skills Ltd, the same firm of consultants appointed by the European Commission to develop a strategic plan of waste management in the country, have been appointed to evaluate the proposals.
The Selection board will have to consider the recommendations made by the consultants and the content of strategy for waste management which is being formulated by these consultants.
A technical committee will be available to help the consultants. This comprises Vince Cassar, director general of the Ministry of Environment, Vincent Gauci, Director of the Department of Environment Protection, Joe Sammut, as principal officer in the Environment Department, George Buhagiar, Prof. Robert Ghirlando, Chairman of Enemalta, Antoine Riolo, an executive officer at Water Services Corporation and Kevin Mercieca representing the Planning Authority.
According to the terms of reference of the selection board, the consultants have a right to seek the advice of persons, entities and corporations as deemed necessary.
The Board has to prepare a detailed report which will include sufficient information to substantiate and justify its recommendations. This report must be given to the Environment minister.