Infrastructure Malta said that it is completing the final works of the new quays and slipways in Mgarr Harbour, Gozo – part of a €6 million project to improve the infrastructure used by this area’s fishing community.
They are currently rebuilding a 10-metre wide slipway, which will extend 48 metres out at sea and over 3 metres underwater Infrastructure Malta said it is one of the largest slipways in Gozo, capable of slipping boats up to 45 tonnes.
The agency said that it is using over 7,857 tonnes of concrete and 630 tonnes of reinforcing steel bars to rebuild the quays in an improved design, with longer-lasting structures.
Infrastructure Malta, through this EU-funded project is also installing four new pontoons and other facilities for increased safety, improved access and increased berthing spaces for fishermen based at Mgarr.
The pontoons will include 90 additional berths for fishermen who, the agency said, have long been waiting for such sheltered spaces for their fishing boats.
It explained that through the years, the seabed in this part of the Harbour was gradually covered with layers of mud and other sediments, making it difficult for fishermen to manoeuvre their vessels close to the shore.
Through this investment, the area is also being dredged to a depth of approximately 2.5 metres to facilitate navigation.
Infrastructure Malta said that it will also build new facilities for the separation and safe disposal of waste generated by the fishing industry in this port, so that nearby public spaces in this harbour are kept tidy and clean.
This project will also be contributing to the embellishment of the inner Mgarr Harbour area, which is very popular among locals and tourists for seaside walks towards Zewwieqa Beach.
This project is co-financed by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund of the European Union, and by the Ministry for Gozo.
Infrastructure Malta said that it has also completed the reconstruction of a seaside platform in Mgarr ix-Xini, in Sannat, and a smaller quay in Santa Marija Bay, Comino.
It is currently working on multi-million projects in other coastal areas, including the new breakwater at Qrejten Point, Marsaxlokk, the reconstruction of quays in Marsascala and St Julian’s and new landing facilities for ferry passengers in Sliema and Cospicua.
Photos: Infrastructure Malta