The sand to be used to fill in the perched beach at Bugibba was dispatched from Jordan on 9 June and is expected to arrive in Malta in the very near future.

Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech and Malta Tourism Authority chairman Romwald Lungaro Mifsud yesterday paid a visit to the beach project, which they said was progressing well.

The move came after other tourism-related projects including the new promenades in Sliema, St Julian’s, Marsaxlokk, Xghajra and the St George’s Beach rehabilitation.

Dr Zammit Dimech said that so far, trenches had been dug, the sub-base had been laid and retaining walls had been built all around the beach to prevent loss of sand.

In addition, an 80-metre ramp was being built to allow access for disabled people. When the sand arrives, some will be spread immediately to allow it to settle, but more will be laid down in early July as the tourism season reaches a peak.

The decision to construct the beach was taken after a study identified that the major thing lacking in the area was a sandy beach for tourists. Dr Zammit Dimech said that some 350,000 tourists visit Bugibba every year.

He said that the project was embarked on to achieve five major goals. These, said Dr Zammit Dimech, included the creation of more bathing areas in the region, the creation of a sandy beach with amenities, the creation of a high-standard tourist recreation area and giving the Bugibba area a better marketing tool. The final goal was to prevent environmental damage.

“It is estimated that the creation of this beach will create added value of Lm8.6 million over 10 years in profits for operators of establishments in the vicinity, which will translate into government income through VAT and income tax,” said Dr Zammit Dimech.

He appealed for residents to take ownership of the beach in an effort to stem any possible vandal attacks.