The Planning Authority’s Planning Commission has approved planning permission for rehabilitation and restoration works to be carried out on Wied il-Qlejgha, popularly known as Chadwick Lakes.

This “well-deserved comprehensive upgrade” will start on the valley in the north west of the island, which is a frequent recreational haven for Maltese families especially during the winter months and after heavy rainfall.

The Authority said that rehabilitation works will include the reinstatement of the storage capacity of existing dams and the restoration of valley’s ecology through the removal of debris and silt deposits which have accumulated over the years.

Banks and retaining walls will be rebuilt in an “environmentally friendly manner while intrusive development such as a playground in the valley bed, constructed during the 1990s, will be removed,” the PA added.

The upper Chadwick Lakes area will be rehabilitated into an educational zone through the installation of visitor inception and information panels.

A trekking trail alongside the valley bed will be established to provide visitors with an educational experience on the important hydro-ecological role of valley systems in the Maltese islands.

In order to carry out this rehabilitation project, the Authority said that environmental studies were prepared by Environmental Consultants. The studies revealed that the valley is presently in a “deplorable state.”

The PA explained that “a lack of maintenance and proper management over the years has led to a number of problems including a reduced surface water retention capacity due to the accumulation of sediment and debris, a rapid growth of invasive and non-native plant species, the dilapidation of the retention walls and illegal dumping.”

Moreover, most of the original infrastructure designed by Lord Chadwick in 1884, has been left in a derelict state, it said.The project will also include the restoration of the existing Fiddien Box. The restoration works include the conservation of the existing rooms which will prevent any further dilapidation.

The Authority said that as a result, the full-restored rooms will house a visitors’ centre, pump room and storage space.

Minister for Energy and Water Management Joe Mizzi, said that he was pleased with the project’s approval, adding that the rehabilitation of the area will create recreational and educational spaces for both Maltese and Gozitan families as well as tourists visiting our country.

“This project will be managed by the Energy and Water Agency and financed through European funds,” the Minister said. He added that it will also give great importance to the protection of ecosystems in the area.”

Photograph: Top – Planning Authority and below Artist’s impression from the Ministry

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