New paving and an ambient lighting system is embellishing the unique aqueduct that runs from Attard to Santa Venera, Infrastructure Minister Ninu Zammit said during an on-site visit on Monday night.

He pointed out that the paving and the lighting system are being put into place following the intricate restoration of the 361 arches that make up the 1,700-metre stretch of the aqueduct.

The work included pulling up the existing pavement and digging trenches to allow services to be passed through in order to power the new system.

Pavements are being given a new layer of concrete, which is then covered with textured and patterned tiles that complement the stone monument.

Another step to protect the arches was the placement of polystyrene between the actual stone and the freshly laid concrete. This will prevent any structural damage or humidity seepage, said Mr Zammit.

Mr Zammit praised the Public Works Department for their hard work on this project.

The final phase is subdivided into another three phases. The necessary work has been carried out between Fleur-de-Lys and the Fino showrooms and tiling of that 700-metre stretch has begun. This will be followed by the installation of uplighters.

Trenches are being dug and old pavements are being removed on the stretch between the Libyan Embassy and Fino. Concrete is also being laid on this stretch. Preparations are now being made for the final phase covering the 500-metre stretch between Fleur-de-Lys and Santa Venera.

The Public Works Department is working hand-in-hand with four local councils: Santa Venera, Attard, Birkirkara and Balzan.

Other projects currently under way include the embellishment of Lija, Birzebbuga, Xemxija and Wied Babu as well as the restoration of various chapels and sections of the bastions.

This shows the government’s commitment to preserve Maltese cultural heritage while also maximizing the use of government human resources and saving money, the minister said.