The Qortin rehabilitation project has been completed and another area has been turned into a green space for the people of Gozo and the general public.
This was announced by Minister for the Environment, Climate Change and Planning Aaron Farrugia and Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri, together with WasteServ CEO Richard Bilocca.
This project – a landfill that for many years was the biggest environmental scourge in Gozo due to odours and other issues brought about by landfills – has been transformed into an open, green recreational place that can be enjoyed by families.
During the final phase of the works, a number of railings, gates and fences were installed along the perimeter to make the passages safe for public access. An area has also been turned into a dog park, providing a space for play and exercise.
“With this project, we will be giving back 49,000sqm in the form of a green space. This follows the rehabilitation of Wied Fulija in Żurrieq, where another 91,000sqm were transformed into an open space. Qortin was an area where 0.6 million tonnes of waste were dumped for a number of years, and which is now back in its natural state after over 23,000 shrubs were planted, with a total investment of €3.3 million. As part of the rehabilitation works, an underground reservoir was also built so that water could be stored and then used for irrigation,” explained Minister Farrugia.
Miniter Farrugia said that this is another project that shows that the government is listening. “A number of projects are currently underway with the aim of adding more green spaces through a series of urban greening projects in various locations. This is being done to improve the quality of life for Maltese and Gozitan families.”
Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri stated that one of Gozo’s scars, a site which served as a landfill for 36 years, has now been rehabilitated and returned to the public. He said that Gozo now has an alternative site where residents and visitors alike will spend their leisure time in a clean and lively environment. This target was achieved due to the collective work of various ministries and with an investment of €3.3 million.
The Minister for Gozo stressed that this project is one of many other environmental projects undertaken by this government to maintain the distinctive rural character of Gozo. He mentioned that other environmental initiatives were undertaken by this government.
Present at the event was WasteServ CEO Richard Bilocca, who explained how WasteServ is currently working to further improve its operations and infrastructure so that the country is no longer dependent on landfills. He thanked the WasteServ staff who worked on this project to make this place open for the public to enjoy, whilst highlighting the huge potential of greening projects.
