Rehabilitation works have been completed at Wied tal-Imgarr, aimed at improving rainwater drainage, reducing the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall, and protecting the natural environment and surrounding lands, Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri said.

He explained that the project involved clearing invasive vegetation from an area of ??9,000 square metres and removing more than 36,000 cubic metres of waste and debris that had accumulated in the valley, obstructing the natural flow of water.

The Minister stated that ”these works form part of the Ministry’s commitment to improving valley management in Gozo, while safeguarding the natural environment and mitigating risks associated with heavy rainfall.”

He added that “through these interventions in the Imgarr Valley, we are addressing both better rainwater management and the protection of our natural environment. Removing large quantities of soil, debris, and invasive vegetation facilitates more efficient water flow and creates better conditions for the regeneration of natural habitats.”Camilleri said that the necessary permits and approvals were obtained from competent authorities -including the Planning Authority and ERA, among others – while both the contractor and the Project Management Team responsible for monitoring the works were selected following public calls for tenders. Permits and public documentation related to the tenders can be viewed via the respective authorities’ official systems.

These interventions involved removing obstructions from watercourses to allow for more efficient water flow, as well as the removal of invasive alien species. The works also aimed to improve the valley’s capacity to collect and retain rainwater, while reducing water accumulation caused by debris blocking its channels.

It was explained that these works form part of a broader rehabilitation programme for Gozitan valleys which, in addition to Wied tal-Imgarr, covered Wied il-Kbir, Wied tal-Marga, Wied ta’ Marsalforn (Ta’ Kittina), part of Wied ta’ Xhajma, Wied ta’ Mgarr ix-Xini, and Wied l-Infern.

The Minister said that some of these valleys had not been cleaned for decades. ”Consequently, the works link the ecological rehabilitation of the valleys with preparations for winter and the protection of agricultural land and surrounding areas.”

Minister Clint Camilleri concluded by stating that ”the Ministry will continue working to strengthen the sustainable management of the island’s natural resources, with the aim of ensuring Gozo continues to safeguard its environmental heritage while better preparing for current and future climate challenges.”

Photos: DOI

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