A former dumping ground in Zurrieq has been turned into a “builders’ garden” at a cost of Lm85,000 in a project undertaken by the Infrastructure and Resources Ministry.

The former piece of waste land has become a unique garden in Malta – dedicated to the skill of the building trade, specifically to the large number of builders traditionally produced in this village by the sea.

Infrastructure Minister Ninu Zammit explained that the garden’s main features were the hnejjiet (traditional arches). He said that these were not just simple arches, but those known as kumpass, tal-kwart, tal-kalament, arkipjan, tat-tlett centri gholi moghti, elissi and Mezzupunt.

They are illuminated at night and are complimented by a traditional hunter’s hide.

All the work was carried out by the Public Works Department and the project began in October 2004.

Mr Zammit said the project included the laying down of 675 metres of porfido and limestone paving. A well on the site has been cleared and a new reservoir was dug which will hold about 40,000 gallons of water. This will have the added benefit of reducing storm water in the area. The water will also be used for the plants and trees in the garden.

The garden also includes a children’s play area.

Mr Zammit recently presented 70 certificates to people who had attended a rubble wall-building course organised by the Building Industry Consultative Council. He appealed for more people to attend these courses, which are aimed at keeping the tradition alive.

The minister also announced that work on the promenade between Wied Babu and Hagar Qim was due to start soon.