Green light for national flood project

The project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund and will relieve localities of Attard, Birkirkara, Msida, Lija, Balzan and Gzira that are prone to flooding. The rain water run-off can be directed to flow out from one area near the Ta’ Xbiex Marina into Marsamxett Port.

The 11km underground tunnel will have 6 main shafts that are strategically located near the main tunnel to serve as an entrance and exit point during construction and operation of the project. A total of 72 grates will be installed throughout the route.

Two other projects have been approved by MEPA last June, one for the areas of Qormi and Marsa and another for the area of Zebbug. Infrastructural works included modification of channels and bridges to facilitate the flow of storm water and reduce the consequences of flooding.

MEPA also approved landscaping works to be carried out in the ditch below the entrance to Valletta with some changes to the City Gate design. The design changes mainly include the slight reduction in width of the main entrance and the removal of the belvedere which had initially been proposed to be at the top of the central monolith.

Access to the ditch level from Republic Street has also been reorganised to accommodate a different layout for the internal staircase and the lift leading to the railway.