Ambjent Malta is investing over €300,000 to provide eleven local councils with funds to establish green recreational zones in the urban cores of their localities.
Whilst it is important to invest in afforestation projects around the island in areas that have more open space to cater for such projects, Minister for the Environment Aaron Farrugia said the government also wants to ensure every locality has its own green recreational area.
He wants families in each locality to be able to enjoy more greenery in their day-to-day lives, in their own town centres wherein they live and work and not have to travel to other localities like Ta’ Qali and Kennedy Grove to enjoy green spaces.
Farrugia said that these projects are a hands on approach to “take our country to the next level” in improving quality of life.
“All Government entities, in particular the entities under this ministry — from Ambjent Malta to the Planning Authority, need to further embrace the concept of greening in every project and in all permits as far as possible, from large buildings to local council projects,” said Farrugia.
“Authorities must insist and oblige greening and see that the projects they finance are indeed green projects, that they hold aesthetic value and that they do good for our environment,” added Farrugia.
Għajnsielem, Ħamrun, St Julian’s, Santa Luċija, Valletta, San Lawrenz, Birgu, Birżebbuġia, Qala, Munxar and Sliema are the eleven local councils to benefit from this scheme.
Torfa Square in Għajnsielem
An upgrade to the open space found at the ‘Tal-Kaxxa’ area named Tolfa square. The area will be enlarged by about 40% and will get a new look with a green canopy, 15 trees and over 200 shrubs. New benches, a low-light pollution system and pavement will also be incorporated as part of the project. The overall cost will be funded by the Development Planning Fund (DPF) and the Ambjent Malta Urban Greening Scheme. The final aim of this project is to give a new, greener look to the area while regenerating the square to foster a stronger community.
Saver Zarb Garden in St Julian’s
The BM-150 scheme will be co-financing part of the Saver Zarb garden project that the St Julian’s local council will embellish through the Development Planning Fund (DPF). The project will include an overall upgrade of the paved areas, furniture, irrigation system, trees, and shrubs.
The main square in Santa Luċija
Begonja road and Ineż Soler road, behind the main square, will see more recreational space for the residents with more trees, shrubs, benches, and lights.
San Pawl and Kappillan Muscat town squares in Ħamrun
These two town squares will see several planters installed that complement the area, intending to give a greener and more pleasing look.
Belvedere Garden in Valletta
The Belvedere garden situated just outside the Great Siege Bell will be cleaned and upgraded. The area, which offers one of the most beautiful views of the harbour, will see new trees and shrubs, benches and view scopes.
San Lawrenz town square
A number of planters will be installed in the old streets while giving a greener element to the village centre.
Belvedere facing the Grand Harbour in Birgu
The Birgu local council aims to provide a better and greener look to the two belvederes overlooking the harbour, while making it more accessible. The area will be rehabilitated following the structural upgrade of the lower garages, allowing the council to regenerate the area with new benches, lights, bins and planters.
San Ġorġ Preca square and San Ġorġ shore in Birżebbuġia
At the San Ġorġ Preca square, a new irrigation system will be installed, as well as a rain and moisture sensor. More trees will be planted whilst the paving area at San Ġorġ shore will be enlarged to accommodate new tamarisk trees, to give more shade for the new benches.
Kunċissjoni road in Qala
The corner area of Kunċissjoni road with Triq is-Salib will see better traffic management. Part of the road where the stone cross is situated will be replaced by a green area in a bid to increase the pedestrian area whilst creating a better traffic flow, especially towards the popular Ħondoq ir-Rummien bay.
Munxar’s town square
As part of the regeneration of the Munxar Square project, the local council has applied to enhance the area with several planters that will include small trees and flowers to give a greener look to the new square.
Bisazza Street in Sliema
The Sliema local council will enhance the area with new trees that are more suitable for the urban surrounding area and increase the maintenance of existing planters and shrubs.
The Minister said that such projects improve the community value through aesthetics and environmental benefits, noting how these open green spaces will increase biodiversity by establishing particular flora and fauna from an ecological perspective.
Moreover, these projects will aid in combatting the impacts of climate change, since they reduce ambient temperature and thus reduce the urban heat island effect, he said, “as tree cover and vegetation cool the area through the evaporating moisture.”