83 tonnes of debris collected from water catchment facilities

In eight months, the culvert-cleaning unit within the Infrastructure Ministry's Cleansing Directorate has collected 83 tonnes of debris including silt and soil from water catchment facilities.

The unit is responsible for the cleaning of all pits and gratings situated in all arterial and distributor roads along the island. The closer the wet season gets, the more the unit's work intensifies.

Catching many by surprise, Wednesday's heavy rain resulted in flooding in a number of areas also due to blockage in a number of culverts.

In a statement, the transport ministry said the directorate deploys a team of workers on regular maintenance and cleaning of culverts in an ongoing basis. "During the past two weeks or so special emphasis was given to such culverts in low-lying areas," the ministry said.

Works consisted in the cleaning of gratings, manholes, pits and crossings constructed under these roads that cater for the storm water system. Such manual works often require the assistance of high-pressure vacuum equipment.

Particular attention is being given to low lying areas such as the Burmarrad, Qormi, Msida, Birkirkara and Marsa areas.