10,000 cubic metre soak-away reservoir to be completed by March

Works on a soak-away reservoir in Gżira with the capacity to hold 10,000 cubic metres of water is expected to be completed by March.

Resources and Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino visited the site – in the flood-prone area close to the national swimming pool complex – yesterday, explaining that the rainwater run-off that ends up in the soak-away reservoir percolates into the water table within a few days. The project involves a total investment of about €1 million and forms part of the ambitious €56 million flood relief project that includes the excavation of a series of underground tunnels, some of which are up to 11 kilometres long.

Mr Pullicino said the eight-metre deep soak-away reservoir will eventually be linked to one of the galleries, and the water that gathers there will be pumped and used to replenish the water table.

The flood relief project, which started earlier this month, is expected to more than double the country’s existing water retention capacity from 200,000 cubic metres to about 700,000 cubic metres.

A tunnel is currently being excavated at a site known as Tal- Ħofra on the outskirts of Attard. It is aimed at giving access to the actual gallery, which will run from Wied Inċita towards Birkirkara. It will proceed along the route of the built-up valley until it links with another gallery that will gather rainwater from Naxxar and Lija. From this point onwards, the gallery will be diverted towards Mater Dei Hospital and then on to Ta’ Xbiex, which is its exit point. The project also features a gallery running from Kappara to Ta’ Xbiex.

The diameter of the planned galleries varies between three and six metres, with the deepest part being 50 metres underground and the lowest part just six metres below ground level.

The eight-metre deep soak-away reservoir will eventually be linked to one of the galleries

The second phase of the project involves the excavation of a tunnel from the centre of Żebbuġ to Wied Qirda on the outskirts of the village, while the third phase is aimed at alleviating floods in the Żabbar and Marsascala area, with the tunnel outflow along the Xgħajra coast.

The project also includes a series of canals in areas around Marsa and Qormi, as well as the reconstruction of some bridges that have been obstructing the flow of water. The entire project is expected to be completed in 20 months’ time.

The flood relief project, which started earlier this month, is expected to increase the country’s water storage capacity from 200,000 cubic metres to about one million cubic metres Photograph: Jonathan Borg