The Upper Barrakka Gardens were first opened to the public in 1824, while another part of the garden was opened in 1924.

The present project includes new paving, 150 new lights, 50 new trees and 55 new benches.

Dr Gonzi said the government was committed to the rehabilitation of the area around The Grand Harbour, including Valletta, Floriana and Cottonera.

He said this was why the government had set up and funded rehabilitation projects for each of these areas to restore them to their former splendour.

“The Grand Harbour encompasses most of Malta’s history and the skill of the Maltese people. The government is committed to continue working on such projects to improve these areas,” he said.

He said that even though many projects have been undertaken in these areas, there is still a lot to be done to give these localities the look they deserve.

He said the projects cost money and it is important that people who frequent these places preserve what has been achieved so far.

Dr Gonzi said he was proud that a few days before Malta officially becomes an European Union member state he was inaugurating a public garden which has so much of the country’s history and which attracts several thousand tourists every year.

Valletta Rehabilitation Project coordinator Ray Bondin said he was very proud of this project.

He thanked Resources and Infrastructure Minister Ninu Zammit for his continuous support while the project was under way.

Mr Bondin also gave special mention to architect Dorianne Micallef and engineer Stephen Buttigieg, who both put in more than their fair share of effort to make the garden look the way it does today.