Works on the Marsascala breakwater area nearing completion

Infrastructure Malta (IM) is in the final phase of rebuilding the old breakwater and its adjacent piers in the inner part of Marsascala Bay.

This was announced by Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects, Aaron Farrugia, Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds, Chris Bonett, and Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Welfare, Alicia Bugeja Said, during an onsite visit. Infrastructure Malta CEO, Ivan Falzon, was also present.

Minister Aaron Farrugia said that the intervention is part of a €1.9 million project with the reconstruction of 140 metres of quays along San Ġorġ Street, close to the Marsascala Parish Church. These quays are popular among Marsascala residents and visitors for swimming and for seaside walks.

It was explained that their foundations were scoured by decades of sea erosion, and that their concrete surfaces were cracked and pitted, and that parts of them had collapsed into the sea. “Thus, IM rebuilt these quays in a new, safer design, including a wave wall to protect pedestrians and adjacent buildings from rough seas”, a government statement read.

It was further explained that during the rebuilding process, divers from IM had demolished parts of the breakwater that were about to cave in. Following this, a team of builders and divers had paved and levelled the seabed in preparation for laying new foundations with large precast concrete blocks. “Underwater works are now complete, with the focus now shifting to the breakwater structure above the water’s surface. Works will now focus on the building of a protection wall (sea wall) and the breakwater structure itself. The agency will then complete this new structure with safety and navigational aids for mariners”, the statement read.

“As an island state, it is critical that we invest in our marine infrastructure because we rely on it, particularly for import and export. This sector not only touches upon many people’s recreational interests, such as swimming, but is also critical to strengthening and ensuring our country’s competitiveness and economy”, concluded Minister Farrugia.

Parliamentary Secretary Chris Bonett spoke about the importance of this project which is being carried out with European funds and will lead to a better infrastructure, especially for fishermen. “Apart from this project, €7.5 million from the European Fund for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, were invested to improve our fishing ports, including those of Marsaxlokk and Mġarr Gozo”, stated Chris Bonett.

Parliamentary Secretary Alicia Bugeja Said indicated that according to recent statistics, the bay in Marsascala is home to around 200 fishing vessels, which are used by full-timers and recreational fishers alike, while being registered with the Fisheries Department. She explained how this new breakwater will provide these fishermen with an opportunity to anchor their vessels at a deeper level, while at the same time guaranteeing better access to their fishing vessels.

“This new breakwater will leave an impact on a huge fishing community, by providing them a more sheltered and safe harbour. This project is a crucial step in the government’s work to improve the infrastructure, and provide these fishermen with greater peace of mind. In the near future, we will be working together to carry out even more successful endeavours”, concluded Parliamentary Secretary Bugeja Said.