Strong Response To Għar Lapsi Restoration Consultation

Following the devastating impact of Storm Harry last month, the Public Works Department immediately launched two separate processes to provide substantial assistance to affected local councils.

After issuing a call for councils to submit details of the damage within their localities, 24 councils presented a total of 92 requests.

These range from damage to rubble walls to extensive cleaning operations and structural repair works.

The Department is currently assessing all submissions. In the meantime, urgent interventions have already been carried out in the 24 affected areas, particularly where there was a risk to public safety or restricted accessibility.

Alongside this immediate response, the Parliamentary Secretariat for Public Works, through the Department, launched a public consultation entitled ‘Għar Lapsi Back to the People’.

The initiative was introduced after the popular coastal area of Għar Lapsi in Siġġiewi suffered extensive damage, significantly altering both its appearance and access routes. The site is frequented by thousands of Maltese and visitors each year and supports livelihoods including restaurant owners, fishermen and divers.

To date, around 170 proposals have been submitted as part of the consultation, reflecting strong public engagement. Over the past month, the Department has assisted fishermen in bringing their boats ashore and undertaken major clean up operations to remove debris washed inland.

The Coastal and Flooding Unit has also restricted access for safety reasons and launched geological studies of the coastline to inform a comprehensive restoration plan.

The consultation remains open until 24 February.

#MaltaDaily