The Ministry for the Environment is developing a new park for families and young people, between Mqabba and Qrendi
On a stretch of land larger than a football ground, the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness is developing a new family park. Mitħna Park, located between Mqabba and Qrendi, will transform an area that was previously a quarry into a green open space for the community.
This project in Triq l-Imqabba is being undertaken by Project Green in consultation with the Local Councils of Mqabba and Qrendi, with an investment of €2 million, supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), on an area covering approximately 7,400 square metres in the area known as Tal-Mitħna.
This was announced by the Minister for the Environment Miriam Dalli, and the Minister for European Funds Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, during an onsite visit where works are currently underway. The design of the park is based on the concept of allowing visitors, especially children, to feel closer to nature through features such as a ‘bug and bee hotel’ and natural play areas.
Project Green’s Chief Operations Officer, Perit Beverley Costa, explained that with the installation of green roof canopies, rainwater will be collected and reused for the irrigation of the park. The park will also include a reservoir, an amphitheatre, and a ping pong table. More than 100 trees and around 500 shrubs will be planted.
Minister Miriam Dalli said, “For many years, residents in this area have known this site as ‘the quarry area’. Through this project, we will be introducing a beautiful open space for the residents of these localities, a space just a few minutes’ walk away for hundreds of families.”
Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi spoke about how this project clearly shows that European funds are being allocated efficiently for more green spaces in our communities. He explained that through the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, the Government is investing in various sites around Malta to strengthen the natural environment and improve people’s access to quality green spaces. “When we talk about European funds, we are talking about concrete opportunities that transform our spaces into more sustainable and accessible areas. European funding does not only mean projects on paper, but it brings real and visible benefits for our families and our communities,” said Minister Zrinzo Azzopardi.
Andrea Saliba, the Project Manager for this project, said, “As Project Green, we believe in and understand the contribution that the environment makes, and how nature serves as a source of peace for everyone. One of our aims as an Agency is to provide open and safe spaces where the public can spend some quiet or relaxing time.”
Photo: MEEC/MFI
