Total investment in the area had reached some Lm275,000, the minister said. This figure includes the wages of the government employees who carried out the work as well as costs for materials and machinery.

“The aim of this project was to embellish this most popular area, giving it a modern look,” the minister said. The project included paving and the construction of walls in the traditional sejjieh (rubble wall) style as well as decorative features such as benches, lighting and other structural work.

The project originally began in 2001 and by the beginning of 2003 a considerable amount of work had been done on the stairs. However, later in the year the original designs of the project were amended, saving thousands of liri, the minister explained.

The material used was intended to improve the area by giving it a natural look and in fact, the minister added, this was evident by the use of sejjieh for a stretch of 400 metres.

It is estimated that some 3,000 square metres of rubble wall have been laid. The walls have been designed in terraces in which trees have been planted. These terraces are connected by walkways that run through the cultivated levels.

The paving in the area is also substantial, with 1,130 square metres of walkways being paved. Railings have also be installed on part of the stairs and on the bridge, all of which have been constructed and installed by staff from the Public Works Department.

Mr Zammit explained that this year the ministry for which he is responsible has already spent over Lm1 million on embellishment projects in various tourist areas such as Paceville and St Thomas Bay.

“This project is a testament to the restructuring process that the Resources and Infrastructure Ministry is undergoing,” said Mr Zammit.

In conclusion, he stressed the need to maintain these areas regularly and educate people to keep them tidy.