Infrastructure Malta will plant 75 new trees in the rural Triq Bur il-Kbir area in Siġġiewi as part of environmental measures linked to a road widening project, it said in a statement.

For every cypress tree that will be removed, Infrastructure Malta will plant five new trees, with 15 small cypress trees set to be removed and replaced by 75 trees.

The project is addressing traffic congestion and road safety, with works including the widening of the carriageway and the rebuilding of rubble walls.

Of the 75 new trees, 21 will be cypress trees and 54 will be olive trees.

In the field from which the cypress trees will be removed, Infrastructure Malta will replant 21 cypress trees in order to retain the landscape characteristics and vegetation that previously existed in the area.

A further 54 olive trees will be planted nearby to increase the number of trees and enhance the environmental value of the area.

Infrastructure Malta will be responsible for providing and planting all the trees, while their maintenance following planting will be the responsibility of the new owners of the fields.

The agency said the intervention reflects its commitment to ensuring that investment in road infrastructure is accompanied by concrete measures in favour of the environment.

While the works in Triq Bur il-Kbir are necessary to improve safety and connectivity, the planning of the project also includes measures to increase the number of trees in the area, the statement said.

As a result, while 15 cypress trees will be removed, the area will gain 75 new trees of two different species, which Infrastructure Malta said will contribute to a greener environment and a richer rural landscape in Siġġiewi.