With an investment of €4.4 million and an average of 60 trees a day, Infrastructure Malta, which falls under the remit of the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects, has planted a total of 22,162 trees in Malta and Gozo in 2021.
This was announced by Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg during a press conference which was held at the Joseph Farrugia Garden in Dingli.
Minister Ian Borg said that, “We planted new trees and shrubs in 68 different areas in 35 localities. It is in this way that we will continue delivering more results with the aim of reaching the environmental vision of this government, which is in favour of green infrastructure and sustainability. Our nationwide afforestation initiative has now added more than 42,000 trees and 38,000 shrubs in different urban and rural locations since we launched it in the summer of 2019. We have also seen to extend this initiative to Gozo, with the planting of trees and shrubs in Xewkija. We can also mention capital projects such as the Marsa Junction, Central Link, Għeriexem and the St. Lucia Tunnel, where we planted trees and shrubs in order to increase their aesthetic beauty. Such numbers and results continue to show that this government has kept and is keeping its word when it stresses that we want to change the face of our country. We are incorporating this concept of planting trees and plants into most of the infrastructure projects we are carrying out, in order to truly give a sustainable country to future generations.”
In 2020, Infrastructure Malta had to replace over 1,000 trees that were stolen, accidentally damaged or vandalised. This number has drastically decreased last year following the introduction of several security measures, including CCTV cameras.
During the first half of the year, the agency worked with Caritas Malta to form ‘Bosk it-Tama’ (Grove of Hope), a new space for reflection within the grounds of the San Blas Therapeutic Community, by planting 352 indigenous trees and shrubs and installing a new irrigation system.
The agency also worked with the Archdiocese of Malta to embellish the roof garden at the Archbishop’s Seminary in Tal-Virtù, Rabat with 730 trees, shrubs and other plants.
Other locations include school grounds, areas around the University of Malta and the Institute of Tourism Studies, as well as open spaces managed by the Archdiocese of Malta, local scout groups, sports clubs and other non-governmental organisations.
