Chadwick Lakes to be restored to ‘optimal state’

The proposed Rehabilitation of Chadwick Lakes aims to restore the valley, also known as Wied il-Qlejgħa, to its optimal state, according to a project brief filed with the Planning Authority by the Energy and Water Agency last February.

“Doing so would raise public awareness and improve sensitivity towards nature conservation. To meet these objectives, the government’s policy is to reverse degradation of Wied ilQlejgħa in the short term and allow a gradual and long-term rehabilitation of the whole ecosystem,” the project brief reads.

The brief reads that the valley is currently in a deplorable state. “Lack of maintenance and proper management have led to a number of problems in Wied tal-Qlejgħa, most notably: a reduced surface water retention capacity due to the accumulation of sediment and debris; proliferation of invasive and non-native plant species; dilapidation of the rubble and retention walls; and fly-tipping, amongst others.”

The valley has a historical wealth dating back to Punic times and the Knights of St John. “More recently, the potential for water storage in this valley has been recognised by British engineers, with the first experimental dam built in 1884. Most of the original infrastructure designed by Lord Chadwick have been left unmaintained and are in a derelict state. Therefore, this project plans to valorise the British-period infrastructure.”

The brief highlights that Chadwick Lakes is a popular recreational spot in the winter

months, “attracting hundreds of picnickers known to cause disturbance to the environment by discarding rubbish, trampling (within the valley footprint) and poaching of tadpoles and frogs. In response to this intrusive and recurrent behaviour, the project shall seek to steer and limit picnickers to the designated recreational areas, detached from – and thus respecting the integrity of – the valley bed. The purpose of this design is to direct only the right visitors, (e.g. nature enthusiasts and trekkers) to the more ecologically sensitive area alongside the valley in a non-intrusive manner. Access along the valley is envisaged by means of trekking paths and informative signage on the area’s aquatic, natural and historical heritage. This will guide trekkers to established pathways and avoid trespassing on the valley bed.”

The project includes a number of studies bringing together ecologists, hydrologists and environment management specialists. The primary elements of the proposed project include: water conservation and the reinstatement of the existing dams’ storage capacity; restoration of the valley’s (endemic) ecology to high status; reinstatement of ecological balance; and repairs to banks and retention walls in an environmentally acceptable manner.

The brief reads that the underlying bedrock shall not be excavated, in order to preserve its natural condition.