Stabilisation Works To Protect Bighi Peninsula Historic Site

Dec 17 2024

Xjenza Malta, in collaboration with Infrastructure Malta, has launched consolidation works at the Bighi Peninsula to address instability in the rock faces beneath Esplora Science Centre and the offices of Xjenza Malta.

The project focuses on stabilising the nearly vertical limestone cliffs that support the foundations of these buildings and surrounding landscape areas.

The limestone at the site has fractured, resulting in unstable rock masses that pose risks to the structures above. The consolidation work is essential to safeguard the site’s integrity and ensure long-term stability for both the buildings and the environment.

For safety, the area has been closed off during the works, with steel fencing and hoarding installed. This project, led by Xjenza Malta and its collaborators, aims to enhance safety and preserve the Bighi Peninsula—a site of historical and environmental importance—while ensuring its long-term sustainability for the benefit of visitors and the community.

The Minister for Education, Sport, Youth, Research, and Innovation, Clifton Grima, emphasised the site’s significance in both Malta’s rich history and the educational sector. “We must be the generation that preserves what belongs to us for future generations, as we are doing with this project.

I look forward to seeing schoolchildren come here once the project is completed, allowing them to touch, experience, and learn from this rich part of our country’s history,” said Minister Grima.

The Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works, Chris Bonett, highlighted the national importance of these works, stating, “These works are not only a reflection of collaborative efforts between entities but also clear evidence of the government’s commitment to protecting the safety of our people, our historical heritage, and our environment for future generations.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, Keith Azzopardi Tanti, stressed the project’s role in preserving the site. “This project ensures that we preserve not only part of our historical and architectural heritage but also a vital piece of our nation’s history for future generations,” said Azzopardi Tanti.

The Mayor of Kalkara, Wayne Aquilina, welcomed the project, noting, “I welcome the announcement of this restoration project, which will join a series of infrastructural works already completed in Kalkara, including the restoration of the entrance to Bighi, completed in 2021 and enjoyed by many today.

The Bighi Peninsula is a beautiful and historic area in our village, and I look forward to preserving it to further enhance our locality.” Duncan Brincat, Secretary of the Kalkara Heritage Association, expressed gratitude for the project, stating, “The Kalkara Heritage Association welcomes and appreciates this important project, which will restore the remaining coastal walls surrounding the Bighi complex.

Such initiatives safeguard Kalkara’s historical heritage, which is of national importance. We look forward to its completion while continuing to emphasise the need to restore the historic baths located along the same coastline.”

Also present at the press conference were Silvio Scerri, CEO of Xjenza Malta; Steve Ellul, CEO of Infrastructure Malta; and architect Janice Borg.

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Alden Issues Statement After Eurovision Disqualification

Dec 17 2024

Taking to social media, singer, songwriter and would-be Eurovision Song Malta contestant Alexandra Alden explained that she understands and respects the decision taken by PBS to avoid any potential friction with Eurovision organisers.

She explained that an acoustic prototype/work in progress of her song ‘Magnolia’, filmed years ago, was in circulation online.

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A post shared by Alexandra Alden (@alexandraaldenn)

Alden asked for it to be removed, which was done immediately, as she was aware that this could impact her submission. She informed PBS, but this ‘was already too late’, explained the former X-Factor judge.

‘I perform often and trying out works in progress of songs in a low-key, informal setting helps the creative process. My new album featuring the song ‘Magnolia’ is not yet released or commercially available to the public.’

‘I would have loved to release the song now once it no longer qualifies but it isn’t even ready yet for release. So it will have to wait.’

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Educational Project To Raise Awareness About Malta’s Bee

Dec 17 2024

A project dedicated to raising awareness about Malta’s bee, officially recognised as the country’s National Insect, has reached its final stages.

Led by the Maltese Bee Conservation Foundation, the initiative focuses on educating the public about the bee’s importance through professional educational videos and a series of talks at local and regional councils.

Funded by €4,000 from the Small Initiative Support Scheme (SIS), managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS), the project began in October 2023.

At a press conference marking this milestone, Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia and MCVS CEO Mauro Pace Parascandalo praised the initiative’s success.

Dylan Farrugia, an administrator of the foundation, emphasised the vital role of funding in making the project possible and thanked local councils for supporting efforts to inform communities about bee conservation and its wider impact on biodiversity.

Minister Farrugia highlighted the project as an example of how voluntary initiatives can protect Malta’s natural heritage while fostering public education.

She reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting similar projects that promote environmental sustainability and community involvement.

MCVS CEO Mauro Pace Parascandalo expressed satisfaction with the diverse range of projects funded through council schemes, recognising the foundation’s dedication to strengthening Malta’s conservation efforts.

For more details on similar initiatives, visit maltacvs.org.

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Rare Australian Spotted Jellyfish Seen In Maltese Waters

Dec 17 2024

Posting to social media, marine biologist Alan Deidun shared photos sent to him of a rare sighting of the Australian spotted jellyfish.

The jellyfish is an alien species native of the Indian and Pacific Ocean, but a rare visitor to our waters.

‘It was first recorded in Maltese waters in 2017 by our Spot the Jellyfish campaign’, wrote Deidun.

’The good news too is that it harbours a MILD sting such that it is generally classified as a non-stinging species and not a threat to public health.’

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Photo Source: Billy Gauci (via Alan Deidun)