Salini canal reconstructed

The stench of stagnant water at Is-Salini appears to have finally been eliminated for good following the reconstruction of a canal that dates back to the time of the Knights.

The canal, about 835 metres long and 1.5 metres deep, was originally built to circulate the water around the salt pans using the waves that came in from the bay. However, over the years, it became blocked by debris.

Some 10,000 tons of silt and rubbish were removed from the canal in a project that cost about €250,000.

The Rural Affairs Ministry, which was responsible for the rehabilitation works, said the canal would now be regularly maintained to avoid the water becoming stagnant again.

The reconstruction of the canal forms part of a project expected to be completed in two years' time at an estimated cost of €10 million, including €4 million to be spent on the reconstruction of Salini Road.

The salt pans there are the only man-made ones in the Mediterranean Basin and the metal huts, which were used to store the salt, will also be restored. One of them will be converted into a restaurant.