Gozo valleys clean-up starts

Around 1,000 tonnes of material were removed from Ta' Żejta valley situated in the limits of Victoria during a clean-up works which started during the past weeks, the Ministry for Gozo said.

Minister Giovanna Debono said a clean-up of the valleys and dams in Gozo had been launched in collaboration with the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA).

This year the ministry will focus on four water-catchment facilities - two at Ta' Żejta Valley and another two at the valley situated between Victoria and Marsalforn.

Mrs Debono said there are plans to clean up around 30 reservoirs. "This project will not only improve Gozo's countryside thanks to the removal of material dumped over the years, but it will also serve to achieve better rainwater catchment during the winter months. This should be beneficial for the agriculture sector", the minster said.

The Gozo Ministry will also hold World Environment Day activities for families at Lunzjata Valley tomorrow morning. The attractions will include story telling for children, papier machè with the use of recycled materials, a drawing session, lace-making for juniors, plant sowing and advice, feeding of sheep and games for children. During this activity, the Minister for Gozo, will be launching the Restoration for wind pumps scheme for the second year, as part of the eco-Gozo project.