The Marsalforn Valley project was inaugurated today by the Minister for Gozo Dr Anton Refalo. The Eco-Gozo Regional Development Directorate, within the Ministry for Gozo, carried out a holistic restoration of the water course and walking route within the Marsalforn valley. The total cost was approximately € 225,000.
The Minister said that the project has helped increase the capacity of the rain water storage in the valley by around 53 million litres of water a year.
Dr Refalo reiterated that part of the vision of the Ministry for Gozo is to continue improving and caring for green policies. “We intend to continue with nature projects such as this one, to ensure that Gozo is an ecological island.”
The works done include the reconstruction of the road and rubble walls which shield the valley, the shifting of the Water Services Corporation sewage rising main from Marsalforn Valley to the adjacent road together with the cleaning of the water harvesting facilities.
950m of the valley have been cleared of debris with over 4500 cubic metres of silt cleared. This project will help decrease the possibility of flooding in the valley that leads to Marsalforn Bay. More than 50 trees have also been planted.
The Minister for Gozo said that Wied il-Kbir in San Lawrenz, had also been cleared and cleaned up, at a cost of around € 26,000.
Educational activities also took place this morning, with students from several primary schools, both Government and the church. The activities included scientific experiments, tree planting and a walk along the valley.
The Minister said that this landscaping project in the Gozitan countryside, is a place frequented by visitors throughout the year. He urged the public to visit this beautiful valley and take joy in the beauty of the surrounding area, especially now that it is the spring season.
Photographs: Top – MGOZ/George Scerri and below EcoGozo