Site reinstatement works where the jumbo Lido was situated in Ghar id Dud, Sliema, are expected to be completed shortly, once the Malta Environment and Planning Authority gives the “go ahead.”

This work includes the removal of an existing concrete staircase, the construction of an edge concrete beam for existing service road and the filling up of all holes resulting during the process of demolition to prevent any danger to the public.

All these reinstatement works are expected to be completed shortly after being granted the necessary Mepa approval.

The structure was constructed on the rocky beach and below street level. A demolition statement for works was presented to Mepa and a permit was issued on 28/10/05 PA 6693/05.

The structure consisted of a one-storey level isolated building; an area roofed on concrete columns, reinforced concrete beams and reinforced concrete slabs while the remaining areas roofed with a reinforced concrete slab spanning over adjacent brick walls. The structure was highly deteriorated with heavily rusted reinforcement and was a danger to the general public if accessed.

Prior to demolition works, all live services (electricity, water services etc) were disconnected. The demolition process consisted of the establishment of an exclusion zone by the construction of adequate barriers/hoardings around the whole site to prevent general public from entering site either from street level above or from rock level.

It also involved manual soft stripping consisting of dismantling and removal of light weight structure at terrace level, removal of all iron railings, electric metal poles and accessories, electrical switchboard and the careful stripping off of all metal apertures.

The structure was accessible from street level by a service road which was used as access road to all machinery entering and leaving site during the demolition process. A demolition machine was hired to demolish this structure and debris resulting from the demolition works was removed by the use of bulldozers and removed regularly onto trucks. These works were concluded within a period of three weeks. This demolition went hand in hand with the demolition of the chalet, which was also in the same bay.