‘We need to invest in water security to develop our economy, society and planet’ – GSD CEO

The General Soft Drinks Company Ltd (GSD) CEO Maria Micallef on Wednesday highlighted the need for greater investment in water security to improve sustainability.

She was speaking as the company launched the fourth phase of its water stewardship legacy programme, called Alter Aqua, which is funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation. She described the event as a “privilege” and an “honour”, with the theme of the phase being “Reviving the Past, Sustaining the Future”.

“Together with the local communities we will continue our drive to restore historical reservoirs with a focus on the Cottonera area,” she said.

She stated that throughout the implementation of Alter Aqua’s different phases, “more than 23 infrastructural projects” were carried out, which are “positively impacting the lives of over 20 per cent of the local population” by collecting and reusing more than 19 million litres of water annually.

“We need to continually invest in water security for the development of our economy, our society, and our planet,” Ms Micallef, who has been CEO at the company since 2018, added.

“I look forward to continue working together with The Coca-Cola Company, GWP Mediterranean, and the Energy and Water Agency to improve water security which is the heart of sustainable development,” she concluded.

Sofia Kilifi, who is Sustainability and Community Manager Europe at The Coca-Cola Company, remarked that it is a “great pleasure” to promote the programme.

She added that the programme takes a “360-degree approach” by focusing on technical interventions, education, and raising awareness.

“Being part of the discussion regarding the impact of the Alter Aqua programme over the past 12 years in Malta made me realise how the programme is helping shape national policies in respect to water conversation,” Ms Kilifi explained.