Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg officially inaugurated the Mqabba Square regeneration project with an investment of more than €4 million, with works were carried out by the Public Works department. Mqabba mayor Omar Farrugia was also present for this event.
Minister Ian Borg said, “This is another project with infrastructural, social and environmental goals. Thanks to this intervention, the picturesque village of Mqabba now has a much more beautiful square, as it deserves, while residents will witness a significant improvement in quality of life. Apart from that, several interventions were made in order to mitigate flooding issues. We truly believe in the importance of such spaces, as they are the core places where the community can meet on a daily basis.
This investment continues to show this government’s commitment to further invest in our communities’ quality of life as well as improve the quality of infrastructure on all levels.”
Mqabba mayor Omar Farrugia said, “Today marks another step in the history that has shaped this village. I am proud to say and acknowledge that this project and this unprecedented investment made during these year and a half, is giving Mqabba the regeneration it deserves. The center of our locality has one of the most beautiful squares in the south of the country, which will surely be enjoyed by the Mqabba residents, those who come to visit us, present generations as well as future ones.”
The regeneration project was divided in three phases.
In the first phase of the project, an old reservoir in Mqabba square was cleaned and repaired and work was initiatied on a flood mitigation system. The main intention was to collect gathered water from the streets adjacent to and in the square to a system of large drains which collect rainwater that falls in the area.
In the second phase of the project, another large reservoir was built with the purpose of making part of the water collected in this reservoir available to local farmers to irrigate their crops.
In the third and last phase, the Mqabba Parish Square was embellished while an attractive paving design was created that made the aesthetic of this square more pleasing. Decorative lighting lanterns were also replaced and new street furniture was installed. The parish church’s parvis railings and the rock statues were also restored.
