The north-east storm which took place over the weekend, causing massive waves that crashed over sea front properties on the east coast, has caused thousands of euro in damages to a number of water polo clubs in the affected areas.
San Giljan were the worst off, as the club faced the storm directly, but Sliema and Exiles were not spared.
The Malta Independent spoke with the presidents of the three clubs, all of whom explained that the damage caused amounted to thousands of euros, although it is yet difficult to assess the full extent of the damage.
(Photos San Giljan club)
Daniel Aquilina, President of San Giljan ASC said that storm completely flooded the committee room, damaged bathrooms, dislodged iron railings, and destroyed a barbecue stone structure, while a room where the club's memorabilia is kept was also heavily hit and the flood-lighting system was ruined.
“The sea broke through the masonry,” he said.
Parquet flooring recently installed at the club has also been completely removed by the storm. Not one piece of wood remained, he said.
Dr Aquilina said that the damage is so extensive that it is currently inestimable. Asked about whether the club will ask for a pool to be built in order to mitigate damage caused to the open sea water polo pitch, he said that inquiries have been made but its funding remains an issue.
He said that when a North-East storm takes hold, the club experiences extensive damage. He called for a breakwater to be installed in order to mitigate the heavy damages created by such a storm.
(all photos above - the damage caused to San Giljan club)
Any club members who wish to donate money to help with fixing the damage caused by the storm are urged to do so, and may do so through a bank transfer at BOV bank account number: MT91VALL22013000000011805010022 or by cheque addressed to San Giljan ASC, PO Box 63, St. Julians.
President of the Exiles Sports Club, Andrew Paris said that his club experienced damage in the bar – some kitchen equipment, counters and structural damage. He said there was also damage to sports equipment, tables, chairs and a number of goal posts. Asked about whether he feels a break water should be installed, Mr Paris said that the Aquatic Sports Association of Malta is looking at calling an urgent council meeting to see what can be done.
This meeting will take place today at 6pm.
Mr Paris said Exiles Sports Club was worse off five years ago when a similar storm hit, however the installation of a wall to partly shelter the bar mitigated much of the damage.
He said that the cost of the damages runs in the region of €20,000.
Photos above - damage caused at Exiles
“It is a constant battle against the elements,” he said.
Lastly, Dr Frank Testa, president of the Sliema Pitch water polo club said that every wooden structure around the pitch was completely damaged, the terrace around the kids’ pool area is gone, three stainless steel ladders have vanished, as well as three pieces of iron railing.
With regards the electrical fittings, he said that besides the fact that most of the lights are gone, nothing that uses electricity is working. He explained that the room which holds the main circuit got completely flooded, therefore it could be that all wiring needs to be redone. Should this be the case, he said the cost of the damage would be enormous.
The main store was also flooded, he said, with 150 new sun beds inside. Dr Testa said that should these new sun beds need to be replaced, which is highly likely, that would cost the club €20,000 alone.
(Photos above - damage caused to Sliema pitch)
He also said that all computers need replacing and the tiling of the children’s pool needs to be redone. The cost of the damage could potentially reach €100,000.
Photos Michael Camilleri