Renovation works are currently underway at the Naxxar Reservoir project, which will supply water to nine localities once completed, CEO of the Water Services Corporation Karl Cilia said.
During a site visit on Thursday, Environment Minister Miriam Dalli and Cilia went down to the reservoir, which was originally built in 1938.
With a capacity of 24,185m³, the Naxxar Reservoir will be demolished and renovated, with the works being split into two phases, Cilia said.
Cilia said that the first half of the reservoir has been demolished, and a wall has been built to separate the other half of the reservoir.
Once the first half is completed, it will start being filled with water and used as a reservoir, while the second half is being demolished and renovated.
The reservoir will be a medium-sized facility that supplies water to the localities of Naxxar, Mosta, St. Paul’s Bay, Għargħur, Madliena, Ibraġġ, San Ġwann, Birkirkara, and Iklin, while also set to support Mellieħa in the future.
The renovation works involve sealing leaks, replacing the roof and supporting columns, expanding the exit pipework, and installing solar panels with a capacity of 600kWp on the reservoir’s roof, Cilia said.
He said that the €3 million project is part of the National Investment Plan (NIP), which focuses on upgrading critical infrastructure, including the recently modernised Luqa and Naval Reservoirs.
Minister Dalli said that the initiative enhances accountability and transparency while also contributing to the transition toward a carbon-neutral economy.
“Ensuring the security and resilience of Malta’s water supply is a key priority. By modernising crucial infrastructure like the Naxxar Reservoir, we are laying the foundation for a more sustainable future,” she said, adding that the project is moving at a fast pace.
Dalli said that the WSC has sustainability at heart, and aims to be a net-zero facility, having also invested in green bonds.
Built in 1938, the Naxxar Reservoir’s renovation began on 22 January, 2025, and is expected to be completed by mid-March 2025.
Throughout this period, the reservoir will be temporarily decommissioned as a retaining wall is constructed to reinforce the network’s stability.
To maintain a continuous water supply, a contingency plan has been implemented, ensuring that central areas of the island receive water directly from production lines.
While some customers may experience reduced water pressure, measures are in place to uphold water quality. Once the upgrades are completed, the enhanced reservoir will resume operations, aiming to strengthen Malta’s water distribution network.
