Enemed, the national distributor of petroleum products in Malta, has invested over €70 million into a new national fuel distribution centre at Has-Saptan.

The opening of this centre led to the closure of the plant in Birzebbuga, built back in 1979.

Has-Saptan’s new plant, equipped with the latest technology, is set to increase fuel distribution operating efficiency by 60 per cent, whilst reducing CO2 emissions by 20 per cent.

The centre will help in eliminating the escape of toxic emissions into the air during the transfer of fuel, which is harmful to both people and the environment.

The facility itself was originally built in the 50s by the British Admiralty, although several changes have been made to it, including the installation of another layer in the fuel tanks for increased safety and the installation of new fuel transfer pumps.

This comes as a huge relief to the residents of Birzebbuga who, for decades, had to endure trucks entering the heart of the village to refuel, causing a lot of unwanted pollution.

“We know that the Birżebbuġa community had the burden of storing fuel tanks in the locality”, Prime Minister Robert Abela said at the site’s inauguration last night.

 “We are giving the residents of Birżebbuga and surrounding areas a new lease of life”, Energy Miriam Dalli continued.