The Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) Board has granted full development permission for the construction of a storm water tunnel together with other infrastructural services for the area known as Ghar id-Duhhan, between Marsascala and Xghjara.

The project will carry storm water from the Zabbar area to an outfall at Marsascala.

In a statement, Mepa said the Water Services Corporation  evaluated six alternative sites for this project before making its submissions to Mepa. 

The tunnel, which will be co-financing by the European Regional Development Fund, is expected to have a length of nearly 2733m of which 1903m will pass beneath public roads.

The project will have two main shafts strategically located near the main tunnel. These shafts will serve as the entrance and exit to the tunnel both during the construction and operational phase

Earlier this year, the Mepa Board had approved the most strategic and important phase of the national flood relief project which included the construction of a storm water tunnel together with infrastructural services between Attard and the Ta’ Xbiex Marina.