During the summer months, workers from the Department of Public Works are engaged in maintenance and cleaning work on a number of reservoirs. This crucial work is done so that rainwater can be collected in these wells and later used in the fields for irrigation and other purposes.
During a visit to the reservoir located in the San Klement area in Żejtun, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett and Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works Omar Farrugia were able to observe the important work currently being carried out on this reservoir.
Minister Chris Bonett emphasised the importance of having an adequate infrastructure that embraces the principles of sustainability for water storage to reduce water waste, especially given that the collection of water serves as a great help to the Maltese and Gozitans farmers who use rainwater for irrigation.
“It is crucial that these works are carried out in the summer so that, like the other works that the Public Works and Infrastructure Malta workers are carrying out when cleaning rain gutters and culverts in main roads around Malta, we can reduce the risk of flooding in winter whilst making the best use of rainwater,” stated the minister.
Parliamentary Secretary Omar Farrugia explained that the workers of the Public Works Department perform invaluable work during the summer months to prepare for the winter season. “The maintenance work on these reservoirs is of great importance so that rainwater can be collected and used for agricultural purposes, which helps the farmers who manage their fields surrounding these reservoirs.”
Architect Mario Ellul explained how the reservoir, which can hold around 2,500 cubic meters of rainwater, is undergoing cleaning work to remove mud and other debris that has accumulated over the years. Currently, preparations are being made on the walls of the reservoir to apply a new coating after the old one is removed. The new coating will then be applied with a special material to ensure the reservoir does not lose water.
Present during the visit were the Mayor of Żejtun, Joan Agius, and the Deputy Mayor, Raymond Caruana.
Photos: MTIP
