Valletta’s Tritoni project to be inaugurated today

● €2.2 million Mqabba project announced

The Tritoni Fountain and Tritoni Square project will be inaugurated this evening, Transport and Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg announced yesterday.

The multi-million euro project, which has seen a total revamp of the fountain and the approaches to the capital city, was originally scheduled to be completed by the end of 2017 but, like the Kappara junction project, fell slightly behind schedule.

The famous Tritoni fountain was recently restored in Italy and the area leading to City Gate has been paved and turned into a pedestrian area.

The project saw the relocation of the bus terminus to St James’ Ditch.

Borg also announced a regeneration project of around €2.2 million for the village of Mqabba.

This project will include the regeneration and embellishment of the Mqabba village core, as well as investment in reservoirs and other water catchment systems.

The project will serve to improve the quality of life of the community in this locality and to ease flooding near the existing reservoir while also helping in the protection, conservation, and the use of natural rainwater.

Planning works are currently underway and the permit towards building the second reservoir has been approved.

The project is divided into three phases: the first phase includes the building of this new reservoir and the conversion of the existing reservoir into soakaway.

The second phase focuses on the building of a culvert system which will take the water directly to the reservoirs.

The final phase will include the embellishment and regeneration of the Mqabba Parish Square, which will include the paving of the zone around the Church and the transfer of some services from the façades of private homes to below the pavements.

Works will be avoided throughout the season during which the village feasts in this locality are celebrated, as these are very close to the hearts of the people, and in this way, can be celebrated fully. The local council was extensively involved in the setting of these phases.

Minister Borg said that this project will give new life to the community, especially to those who make use of the Mqabba square - which will be given a new life thanks to spaces with improved aesthetics used during several activities, such as the village feasts.

All those with homes close to the existing reservoir that suffer from flooding, as well as those who make use of or live near Triq il-Konvoj ta’ Santa Marija, will also benefit from this project.

In this way, the Minister explained, more than 3,000 people will directly benefit from this full plan for the locality.