Initial Works Begin to Transform Manoel Island into a National Park
Extensive cleaning and maintenance works have begun on Manoel Island, marking the first concrete steps towards transforming the historic island into a national park accessible to the public.
The initiative forms part of the government's commitment to creating a high-quality open space where Maltese and Gozitan families can enjoy the island's natural surroundings and historical heritage.
The initial phase is being undertaken by the Cleansing and Maintenance Division in collaboration with Project Green, following a work plan designed to protect the island's environmental and historical characteristics.
Ministers Visit Manoel Island as Works Get Underway
Minister for Local Government and Public Works Alison Zerafa Civelli and Minister for Energy, the Environment and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour Miriam Dalli visited the site to observe the ongoing interventions.
Minister Dalli said the project represents the beginning of a broader initiative to make Manoel Island accessible to everyone.
"Manoel Island has enormous potential to become one of the most beautiful open spaces in our country. Today, we are seeing the first concrete works on the ground towards the creation of a national park," Minister Dalli said.
She explained that the first phase focuses on cleaning different areas, improving accessibility and making the site safer while protecting the natural and historical features that make the island unique.
Minister Dalli added that the government's vision is to provide more welcoming, accessible and high-quality public spaces where families can spend their leisure time.
Removing Waste and Improving Accessibility
Minister Alison Zerafa Civelli emphasised that Manoel Island should serve the public as an open space for Maltese and Gozitan families.
She said the Cleansing and Maintenance Division is working to remove years of accumulated waste and neglect through carefully planned interventions.
"This initiative goes beyond cleaning. It forms part of a broader commitment to improving public spaces across our country, ensuring that they are cleaner, better maintained and more accessible to Maltese and Gozitan families," Minister Zerafa Civelli said.
Environmental and Historical Heritage to Be Protected
Before the works began, officials from the Cleansing and Maintenance Division, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) and Project Green carried out inspections to ensure that the interventions would respect the island's natural environment and historical heritage.
The works include pruning trees where necessary, removing dead tree trunks, clearing overgrown vegetation and cleaning the entrance area.
Graffiti and posters are also being removed from walls, while metal materials, abandoned structures and construction waste, including stone and concrete blocks, will be cleared from the site.
The project also includes removing unauthorised structures, including illegally constructed rooms, while safeguarding features of historical and environmental importance.
Specialised machinery and manual tools are being used to carry out the works efficiently and with appropriate care for the surrounding environment.
First Step Towards a National Park
These initial interventions are intended to prepare Manoel Island for its eventual transformation into a national park, combining the protection of its natural and historical heritage with the creation of a public recreational space.
The government's stated objective is to make the island a welcoming and accessible destination for residents and visitors alike.
Photos: MEER/MLGP
