[WATCH] Flood relief projects to help save 650,000 cubic metres of rainwater

The €52 million national flood relief project is expected to be fully completed by August 2014, Transport Minister Joe Mizzi announced today.

Visiting the works being carried out at the Correa Bridge in Qormi, Mizzi gave a rundown of the flood relief projects being carried out at the several localities.

The project is a five-part component with works having started in Attard continuing in Birkirkara and Gzira, Haz-Zebbug, Qormi and Marsa. Excavation works for a tunnel connecting Haz-Zabbar to Marsaskala are expected to start next month.

"Our goal is to finish the projects within time while making sure that any plans for cables which entities such as Enemalta or private companies would require are thought for in advance," Mizzi said.

The minister said the project was not only fundamental to avoid problems caused by flooding, but also to save some 650,000 cubic metres of rainwater. "Currently we are saving 300,000 cubic metres but these projects will help increase the volume substantially," he said.

Qormi mayor Rosianne Cutajar said the building of the bridge and canals in the area will help solve many problems such as flooding and others which had led to fatal accidents.

Mizzi said a coordinating unit will also be crucial in coordinating other works such as the cleaning up of valleys, street lighting and furniture and embellishment works.

Project timeframe

Attard: Works ongoing with 22-month projected timeframe; works to be ready by August 2014.

Qormi: bulding of canals and bridges which started in November; expected to be ready by June 2014.

Zebbug: works on the tunnel started 8 months ago; project has been however delayed and is expected to finish two months later than planned.

Zabbar: works on the tunnel between this locality and Marsaskala will start next month with an 18-month timeframe; works to be finished by August 2014.

Gzira: reservoir project is ready but local council and government are awaiting MEPA's approval for the development of a parking area upon the reservoir. If MEPA approves the plans, the local council would go ahead with its plans.