The Labour Party has pledged a wide-ranging environmental and infrastructure programme featuring major new investment in waste management, renewable energy, and water production, alongside plans for expanded green spaces across Malta.The party pledged that work will begin on a new €75 million plant that converts organic waste into renewable energy. This will be able to turn higher volumes of organic waste into energy or compost.It went on to say that it remains committed to the development of a waste-to-energy plant that will be capable of processing 192,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste and serve as one of the country’s main energy sources.In 2023, a facility at the Ecohive complex began operating, separating cardboard and plastic from other waste for recycling and reuse. The Labour Party pledged that in the coming years, work will begin on a skip facility that processes around 50,000 tonnes of bulky waste brought into the complex via open-top skips.It said that investments would continue in all reverse osmosis plants while also investing in artificial intelligence to reduce the country’s dependence on groundwater. The Labour Party said that this is why the country needs to further strengthen the production of potable water, particularly in the south of the country. This area will be served by a new reverse osmosis plant in Ħal Far.The Labour Party said that the use of seawater in potable water production generates brine, which is still being discharged back into the sea. We will launch a pilot project to treat this material and convert it into magnesium that can be placed on the market.The party said that by 2030, it aims to produce 25% of our energy from renewables, in addition to major projects such as offshore wind farms.The Labour Party went on to say that it launched a photovoltaic panel scheme for families living in apartments who do not have access to rooftops. Around 500 families will be able to purchase equipment for solar energy generation to be installed on Water Services Corporation facilities.It went on to pledge the introduction of the concept of energy-sharing. In this initiative, iIndividuals or families who cannot invest in such installations will be able to use unused renewable energy generated by other consumers participating in the scheme. These consumers can receive a better return on their investment while contributing to strengthening the local energy system.The Labour Party said it wants to protect the rights of those who have invested in rooftop solar panels. Robert Abela believes legal amendments should be made to provide appropriate compensation to people whose installations are affected by nearby new developments. These proposals will require consultation but are necessary to continue advancing environmental reform.A number of parks will be significantly expanded:Wied Inċita, Bengħajsa Park, and the Salina Park will be extended.The park being developed in the Fgura area will add another 40,000m² of green space and will connect the area with the San Klement Park in Ħaż-Żabbar.The final phase of works on the Ta’ Qali National Park will be completed.Instead of a recycling plant in Marsaskala, an open space of almost 23,800 square metres is being created.In Pembroke, the San Patrizju Park will be created, and the area around Fortizza delle Grazie in Xgħajra will also be turned into open space.Extensive work is underway to connect the Floriana and Pietà gardens into a green network. Work has begun on the Pinetum garden, and permits have been issued for further regeneration works in the Milorda garden.What do you make of this?•