The Malta Tourism Authority is planning a sand re-nourishment exercise in three bays – St George in Birzebbuga, Ghar Ahmar in Marsaxlokk and Balluta in St Julian’s.

The Balluta Bay exercise will be financed by the private sector, as a hotel in the vicinity has agreed to carry out this work for the next five years.

The government will be investing €150,000 in the other two bays, on which no private operators of deckchairs and kiosks will be allowed.

Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi said that there is a demand for sandy beaches and this investment will strengthen the sector.

Last year, Balluta Bay was replenished with sand during the summer but the sand was carried away in a storm.