There is something unique that possibly only the Ġiljaniżi whose families have lived around Balluta Valley and the many residents and visitors who for years Pjazza Balluta has been their mecca are aware of and experience.

This, Balluta Valley, is a God-given eco system peculiarity. Beneficially at Balluta on the hottest of summer days, when the air elsewhere is agonisingly dead still and near suffocation, or experiencing a heat wave, here and all along the steep-sided valley, cool fresh breezes and light air currents constantly flow, alternating landwards and seawards throughout the days.

It is a natural air-conditioning system ventilating the whole area with the much needed fresh air during all the months of the year, in what is rather a highly polluted area.

Pressure by the Balluta Residents’ Association backed by the massive support of Balluta residents and many St Julians residents, the St Julians Residents’ Association and Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar have managed to save this unique valley (what is left of it).

Our pressure helped the Malta Environment and Planning Authority board to take a positive vote to safeguard the valley. If more construction would have been allowed, be it along the slopes or in the valley itself, our only green lund may soon have been a thing of the past. Let’s hope that other valleys all over Malta and Gozo will also be safeguarded.