What was always regarded as a dangerous, dilapidated dumping ground in Xghajra has been turned into a half-kilometre promenade, a project undertaken entirely by workers within the Infrastructure and Resources Ministry.

In a visit to the new promenade yesterday, hands-on Minister Ninu Zammit said: “The first phase consisted of the removal of about 10,000 cubic metres of rubble that had been dumped in Xghajra after having been cut out of the ground to make the Red China Dock about 30 years ago.”

Policies have changed since then, said Mr Zammit, adding that the rubble had been disposed of in disused quarries to allow the development of agricultural land.

He said the removal of the rubble not only improved the aesthetics of Xghajra, but also allowed the creation of new parking areas. “We have laid down 1,5000 square metres of paving and the half-kilometre promenade was embellished with street furniture, lighting, and dustbins – all of which were produced by the workers within the Manufacturing and Services Department,” said Mr Zammit.

He also said that using the smaller bits of rubble a rock garden was created, which accompanied by freshly planted trees and shrubs complemented the promenade.

In addition to simple embellishment, a wave-breaker wall was placed on the front, and culverts were laid to drain storm waters. Moreover, a new switch room was constructed to service the sewer system.

“This project cost Lm110,000 and like many other projects was conducted entirely by government workers. The greatest asset that this ministry has is the workers themselves,” he said.

Mr Zammit explained that the workers had changed work practices over the past two years to become more efficient and productive. “All such projects should, as far as possible, be conducted ‘in-house’. The number of products on the go shows the commitment the government has to improve Malta’s looks for both tourists and future generations,” he concluded.