Omar Farrugia States That Ta’ Qali Sand Will Protect Soil From Drying Out

Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works Omar Farrugia has defended the use of gravel and sand at Ta’ Qali National Park, following criticism and speculation on social media and in the press.

In a Facebook post, Farrugia explained that in recent weeks sand was spread across the picnic area as part of ongoing maintenance works.

He clarified that the material used is of high quality, designed to absorb water and retain moisture. This, he said, prevents the soil beneath from drying out and turning into dust during the summer months.

The Parliamentary Secretary added that one of the main benefits of this initiative is that natural grass will begin to grow more quickly ahead of the winter rains.

He also pointed out that the use of such material is common in parks and green spaces abroad, including in countries with climates even hotter than Malta’s.

Farrugia further noted that the intervention also helps address long-standing flooding issues that have frequently affected the picnic area after rainfall.

#MaltaDaily