Project Green has completed regeneration works on a site of approximately 25,000 square metres in Triq l-Andar, Għaxaq. The area, which had remained abandoned for several years, has now been regenerated and transformed into a new picnic area.
Ġnien taż-Żebbuġ was officially inaugurated by Minister for the Environment Miriam Dalli. Also present were the Project Green team, Mayor Karl Boxall, and representatives of the Għaxaq Local Council.
With an investment of more than €1 million, the site includes a reservoir with a capacity of approximately 60 cubic metres which will collect rainwater for use in irrigating the area, as well as newly built public facilities. Rubble walls were also constructed along the boundaries of the site, while gates were installed where necessary. A CCTV system was also installed to enhance safety.
As part of the works undertaken, benches and picnic tables were installed, together with a dedicated bicycle parking area. Child-friendly benches and interactive play equipment were also introduced. The new equipment encourages active play in a natural setting, while supporting children's development of balance and coordination and fostering a sense of adventure and exploration.
Throughout all stages of the works, a large number of existing trees were retained and protected, including more than 500 olive trees. This number was further increased through the planting of around 150 additional trees and 440 shrubs. Besides providing shade for visitors to the park, these new trees and shrubs will further enhance biodiversity.
Minister for the Environment Miriam Dalli explained how the investment in this park in Għaxaq has transformed the area into an open and accessible space for everyone. "At the Olive Garden, we have continued to safeguard the ecological elements of the park. We retained more than 500 existing olive trees and further enhanced the natural environment through the planting of additional trees and shrubs. At the same time, we invested in sustainable infrastructure, including a reservoir that collects rainwater for use in irrigating this space. We have created an accessible recreational area where families can spend quality time together," Minister Dalli said.
Head of Projects Benjamin Vassallo, who worked on the project, said that one of the main objectives was to preserve the site's natural character. "In this project, we ensured that interventions were kept to a minimum in order to preserve its natural characteristics. In this way, we ensured that the existing habitat was preserved and that any unnecessary disruption to the biodiversity already present on the site was avoided," Benjamin Vassallo said.
"This area had been abandoned for decades, but thanks to Project Green, this project was carried out so that it could be enjoyed by the residents of Għaxaq, as well as by residents from Malta and Gozo. However, the residents of Għaxaq will benefit from this initiative the most. Today, they can come and enjoy this project with their families and children and make use of the gardens, as we have always wished to have. I appeal for the cooperation of everyone who visits this space to keep it clean, so that it can be enjoyed by everyone. I would like to thank Project Green for this project," Mayor Karl Boxall said.
This project was co-financed by European Union funds under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).
Photos: MEER
