Extensive cleaning and maintenance works have begun on Manoel Island, marking the first steps towards its transformation into a national park, the government said Wednesday. These works represent an important step towards fulfilling the Government's commitment to transforming Manoel Island into a public open space, where families can enjoy the island's natural environment and historical heritage.

This initial phase is being carried out by the Cleansing and Maintenance Division in collaboration with Project Green, following a carefully developed work plan that takes into consideration the island's environmental and historical characteristics.

Minister for Local Government and Public Works Alison Zerafa Civelli and Minister for Energy, the Environment and the Regeneration of the Grand Harbour Miriam Dalli visited the site to observe the ongoing works.

Minister Miriam Dalli explained that this marks the beginning of a wider initiative to make Manoel Island available to Maltese and Gozitan families as an open space accessible to all. "Manoel Island has enormous potential to become one of the most beautiful open spaces in our country. Today, we are seeing the first concrete works on the ground towards the creation of a national park. We are starting by cleaning different areas, improving accessibility and making the site safer, while safeguarding the natural and historical features that make this island unique. We want Manoel Island to become a place where families can spend their leisure time and enjoy this open space. This is our vision for more open spaces that are accessible, welcoming and of high quality for everyone," said Minister Dalli.

Minister Alison Zerafa Civelli emphasised that Manoel Island must once again belong to the people and serve the people, as an open space for Maltese and Gozitan families to enjoy. "Through the Cleansing and Maintenance Division, we are working to remove years of accumulated waste and neglect from this site through carefully planned and executed interventions. This initiative goes beyond cleaning. It forms part of a broader commitment to improving public spaces across our country, ensuring that they are cleaner, better maintained and more accessible to Maltese and Gozitan families," said Minister Zerafa Civelli.

Before works commenced, officials from the Cleansing and Maintenance Division, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, the Environment and Resources Authority (ERA) and Project Green conducted site inspections to ensure that all interventions would respect the island's natural environment and historical heritage.

The works include pruning trees where necessary, removing dead tree trunks, clearing overgrown vegetation and cleaning the entrance area, as well as removing graffiti and posters from walls.

Metal materials, disused structures and construction waste, including stone blocks and concrete blocks, will also be removed. The works also include the removal of unauthorised structures, including illegally built rooms, while ensuring the protection of features of historical and environmental value.

Specialised machinery and manual tools are being used to carry out the works efficiently and with due care for the surrounding environment.

These interventions form part of the first steps towards transforming Manoel Island into a national park, with the aim of safeguarding the island's natural and historical heritage while creating a high-quality public open space for everyone to enjoy, the government said.