Dredging of Salina canal completed

Dredging of the seawater canal at Salina has been completed, enabling the water to circulate around the salt pans and removing the stench of stagnant water, the Resources Ministry said.

The clean-up was part of a €250,000 project which also included the rehabilitation of a 90-metre long wall, built by the Knights, which had been damaged by bad weather.

The 835-metre long canal, which has a depth of 1.5 metres had been almost totally blocked by debris - the ministry workers removed some 10,000 tons of material. Maintenance work will now be carried out regularly to prevent repeat blockage, the ministry said.

The project will also include the restoration of the salt pens and the huts where salt is processed and packed. The nearby salt marsh will also be rehabilitated.

The area is a candidate for Natura 2000 classification.