Bridge replacing illegal concrete dam built over a decade ago

The concrete dam, constructed to provide access to two residences on the right side of the valley, was built in the mid-2000s. In 2007 it was the subject of an enforcement order which has since been withdrawn, despite the fact that the blockage persists to this day.

Infrastructure Malta’s intervention has been a source of controversy for a number of months, with things reaching a head when the Environment and Resources Authority issued a stop and compliance order against the works.

Concern had been raised that works would permanently affect and alter the environmental characteristics of the valley. The roadwidening and resurfacing project saw the removal of a number of trees and shrubs to widen the country lane, while a truck carrying asphalt overturned when part of the road collapsed, sending its load flying onto a carob tree below.

IM CEO Frederick Azzopardi had explained to The Malta Independent, however, that the interventions carried out by the entity were meant to minimise the danger posed by the road’s susceptibility to collapse.

“If the dam is not removed, then the damage will keep recurring. In fact, this was brought up in Parliament by MP Godfrey Farrugia, and we confirmed that we would indeed be removing it and replacing it with a bridge so that the water can continue to flow,” Azzopardi had told this newsroom.

The Malta Independent reported early last November that a bridge may replace the illegal dam.