Prime Minister Robert Abela announced the Birżebbuġa Promenade Regeneration project which will be administered by the Department of Public Works after the designs were completed and the application process is now underway to carry out the works for the benefit of the community. Designs which saw the involvement of university students from the Faculty of Built Environment within the University of Malta.
This project, spanning over a kilometre and a half of the picturesque town’s promenade, will see five new and regenerated open spaces, the beautification of existing gardens and swings, underground public parking and new pedestrian areas. There will also be a new cycle lane and landscaping along the promenade using sustainable materials.
During a visit to this locality, the Prime Minister stressed that through projects such as these, the Government is giving another clear signal that it will continue to increase quality investments. He noted that over the years, Birżebbuġa has borne the brunt of industrial growth and this administration has reversed decisions made by other administrations to increase the value of this locality. He mentioned among others the decision to close the 31st March fuel storage plant which saved a lot of emissions and trucks entering the locality. This is apart from mentioning among others the investment made in the Waterpolo pitch and the Bengħajsa park which the community is enjoying.
“We must continue to maintain the economic strength that our country has continued to achieve so that we can translate that into more projects of benefit to our communities and for the benefit of residents,” explained Dr Abela. He noted the role of the Department of Public Works together with university students and stressed that he wants to see more public entities collaborate and gain such a positive experience. He also noted initiatives in the community as a result of work by the local council and explained this project as part of the Government’s thinking in favour of the quality of families.
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett has listed a number of projects that have been launched in recent months and that will be offering a more beautiful urban environment to Maltese and Gozitan families. He explained that this project joins a number of other projects such as the Buġibba Square and the Msida Creek as well as the Vjal Kulħad initiative. “Thus we will increase the amount of open spaces for the public, a key aspect in our vision to continue improving the quality of life for families,” the minister said. In addition to the aesthetic aspect of the project that will beautify the area for residents and all those who visit Birżebbuġa, Minister Bonett explained that, “Through a new cycle lane and a pedestrian priority area we will continue with our work to offer adequate infrastructure while encouraging active mobility in the localities.”
Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works Omar Farrugia emphasised that the aim of the Birżebbuġa Promenade Regeneration is to give back to the locality of Birżebbuġa and the Birżebbuġin a place of recreation and relaxation, as it deserves. “We are aware of the fact that the people of this locality, in the past, paid a high price, and it was up to this government to give back to the residents of Birżebbuġa and the future generation, a quality locality. This project will build on the Government’s promise to build more vibrant, green and quality communities.”
This regeneration, with an investment of around €12 million, joins a series of regeneration projects for promenades and other open spaces that the Government, through its different entities, is carrying out across the country.
Photos (OPM-DOI)
