A row of trees at the Msida skate park have been transplanted over concerns relating to water leaks into tunnels beneath the skate park because of the trees' irrigation system.
Pictures shared on social media earlier in the week showed that some extensive pruning had been done to the trees, but new images taken by The Malta Independent show that the trees have now been removed completely.
Previously, the area had around six mature trees which used to provide skaters with much needed shade especially during the summer months.
An Infrastructure Malta spokesperson said that the agency is currently upgrading the landscaped area of the Skatepark in the middle of the Tal-Qroqq roundabout, in Msida, as part of the ongoing project to rehabilitate the Tal-Qroqq tunnels beneath the same roundabout.
“When the skatepark was developed years ago, the landscaping pits were not waterproofed or equipped with proper catchments. As a result, irrigation water was seeping into the tunnels, causing extensive damage to its concrete structure”, the agency said.
As part of the final works of the €10 million project to upgrade Malta’s four main road tunnels (Tal-Qroqq, Ta’ Giorni, Santa Venera and Kirkop), Infrastructure Malta said that it is stopping this water ingress problem with the redevelopment of the landscaping area.
“The existing trees, which are not indigenous or protected species, are being transplanted for use in other locations by specialised landscaping contractors. This transplanting is required to remove all the soil from the existing pits and lay the required waterproofing material and new water catchments to stop the irrigation and rainwater leaks into the tunnels beneath”, the agency said.
Once these waterproofing works are ready, Infrastructure Malta will restore the landscaped area with 14 new indigenous holm oak trees (ballut) and other plants, with appropriate drainage systems to avoid further damage to the tunnels.
No Planning Authority or ERA permits are required for the ongoing works or for the transplanting of tree species that are not protected by applicable legislation.
Before starting these works, the agency consulted the Malta Skateboard Association so that the works can be extended to include other maintenance and improvement works required in this skatepark.
The Association and Infrastructure Malta agreed to extend the project to include several works, including repairs of chipped concrete skating surfaces and the replacement of steel copings used for skateboarding, some of which are dangerously worn out. Infrastructure Malta is also helping the Association increase the lighting of the skatepark, so that it can be safer for skateboarders and pedestrians at night as well.
The skatepark forms part of the area’s network of footpaths and subways. Through this investment in collaboration with the Federation, the skatepark can be better utilised by the growing street sport community.
Infrastructure Malta is also considering the Skateboard Association’s request to introduce outdoor seating areas at the Skatepark, to continue improving this popular sports facility..