Ġnien iż-Żgħażagħ: from a derelict area into a new open space for the Gudja community

Gudja residents will start enjoying a new garden within their community following works carried out by Project Green at Ġnien iż-Żgħażagħ.

The garden was given a new lease on life thanks to the regeneration works carried out on it by utilising sustainable materials. It further ensures accessibility for all visitors.

Accompanied by Project Green CEO Steve Ellul, together with Mayor Marija Sara Vella Gafà and members of the Gudja Local Council, Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Enterprise Miriam Dalli commended the work carried out, turning the 1,100 square metre open space into an enjoyable garden.

The upgrading of the area included the installation of accessible picnic benches, made from sustainable materials. The area has also been secured with high wooden fencing. The pathway was designed using a geogrid to stabilise the soil and provide an accessible pathway while retaining the natural elements of the ground.

Minister Miriam Dalli thanked all Project Green workers for their dedication as well as their commitment to ensuring that all projects completed are sustainable.

“Ġnien iż-Żgħażagħ is another project in line with the government’s commitment to regenerate and create open spaces, close to residents’ homes. Open spaces help improve the quality of life of our residents while providing the younger generations with a safe space to play or study”, Minister Miriam Dalli added.

Minister Dalli continued by encouraging the public to make responsible use of these open spaces and to keep the area clean.

Project Green CEO Steve Ellul remarked how 3,000 Gudja residents will benefit from an open space within a ten-minute walk of their homes. Through this regeneration project, more trees were added to provide better air quality, considering there is a main road that thousands of cars pass through on a daily basis. Ellul highlighted that these holistic projects take into account the needs of the people and the surrounding area.

Ġnien iż-Żgħażagħ is among various other projects already concluded this year, such as the picnic area at San Klement in Ħaż-Żabbar, the regeneration of Ta’ Qali Dog Park, the first Green Open Campus at Milbrae Grove in Mosta, and the completion of the first phase of Ġnien San Filippu in Floriana, amongst others.

This year, more than 40,000m2 of green open spaces have been opened to the public.

Photos (DOI/MEEE)