Parliamentary Secretary Roderick Galdes announced that works on the long-awaited Marsaxlokk breakwater are to begin this year.

The project was a Labour Party electoral pledge, and fishermen whose boats are moored in the bay have been long bringing up the issue. The need for a breakwater in the bay stems from the fact that whenever there are rough seas, fishermen live in fear that when morning comes, they will damage done to their boats, effecting their livelihood and ability to care for their families.

There are some 300 boats moored in Marsaxlokk Bay, and while larger vessels, in anticipation for poor weather, raise their anchors and head towards the Grand Harbour, smaller boats are unable to do this. Fishermen who own smaller boats are often in the worst position to lose out on valuable time at sea in order to pay for damages.

Mr Galdes’ statement was made this evening in Parliament while a debate on the amendment of fishing regulations went ahead.

He also remarked that the breakwater would also create shelter for the nearby Birzebugga bay, which hosts the controversial LNG tanker, as well as allowing fisherman in the area one unhindered, sheltered bay.