The second phase of the Ta’ Qali National Park extension plan which will extend the area by 30 per cent, will cost a total of Lm250,000 and be completed by the end of this year, Rural Affairs and Environment Minister George Pullicino said yesterday.

The park is to be extended to the 34U area – where there are around 600 trees – which is situated opposite the entrance to the national park.

“The works have not begun before because we wanted the trees in the 34U park to take root properly,” said Mr Pullicino.

The soft landscaping would already be in place by the time the second phase is completed. The road, where the old airstrip was situated, will be removed and traffic will be diverted from behind the area.

The extension is in line with the action plan proposed by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (Mepa), the minister said. A third phase is planned as well.

The extended area will feature

covered walkways and water features while the parking area will have playing field equipment for children and adventure equipment for young people.

The works will be carried out by the Department for Parks, Afforestation and the Environment and is totally funded by the government, said Mr Pullicino.