The Planning Authority said that it has granted permission for the commencement of works related to the cleaning of the valley basin at Mgarr Valley, Ghajnsielem.
The Authority explained that the project will entail the clearing of the bottom of the valley system to improve the harvesting of rainwater in the area.
Approved works include the clearing of natural watercourses from debris as well as illegal dumping, the reinstatement of around 22 km of rubble-walls and the construction of rain harvesting facilities.
It said that a small layer of material will be left over the bedrock in order to serve as a seed reserve possibly aiding in the regeneration of the valley habitat.
Additionally, the cleaning includes the removal of the highly invasive reed and cactus species in order to open up the valley and increase the water catchment capability.
The Authority said that “through this intervention it is foreseen that the total rainwater harvesting potential of the island can increase by around 15,000 m3.”
The project will be implemented within a 1km stretch from where the valley is intersected by Triq tal-Gruwa up to where the watercourse is interrupted by a dam, the Planning Authority said.
Photo: PA