Work has started on the Rainwater Harvesting Park project in Ghajnsielem, Gozo – a sustainable open space initiative and is expected to collect around 84,000 cubic metres of water, which will later be used for irrigation purposes.

Minister for the Environment, Miriam Dalli, and Minister for Gozo, Clint Camilleri, together with the Ghajnsielem Local Council and the Project Green team, visited the site, which spans approximately 1,140 square metres.

It was explained that this site will be transformed into a recreational space, as the Amabile Cauchi playing field in Pjazza tad-Dehra will be converted into a park designed to retain rainwater, aiming to reduce flooding and preserve stormwater.

Through an investment of around one million euro, the project will include several upgrades, such as new play facilities for children of all ages, an amphitheatre, and an educational hub. This educational hub will provide information about valleys and how water storage processes work. The park will also include an outdoor gym and public facilities.

“This project will benefit around 3,000 residents living within a ten-minute walk. Through projects like this, we are seeing how the community can come together and enjoy open spaces that welcome not only G?ajnsielem residents, but also those from surrounding areas and those visiting Gozo,” said Minister Dalli.

Minister Clint Camilleri said, “This project is a clear example of how we can invest in green infrastructure to improve our citizens’ quality of life. The necessary infrastructure will be built to collect water that flows through this area and normally goes to Wied tal-Im?arr, capturing it in reservoirs for irrigating this space. This is an important Project Green initiative to enhance our open spaces. As a government, we are committed to continuing such walkable, community-friendly open space projects.”

Project Green Manager Joseph Borda explained that the Ghajnsielem project brings together various elements, including education, sustainability, and accessibility. He added, “With this project, we are improving accessibility beyond just walkways. We’ll also include braille signage and accessible play equipment adapted for children with autism.”

G?ajnsielem Mayor Kevin Cauchi stated, “the beauty of this project is that we’re not just giving a cosmetic upgrade to the playing field or replacing equipment, we’re implementing a project that starts from the ground up. Since the playing field is built over a valley, we’ll store rainwater through a custom system, preventing its loss and instead directing it to the water system below the surface. We’re doing this to support water conservation but of course once completed, this will be a beautiful open space that residents – especially families and children – can enjoy.”

Photo: DOI

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