Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi toured the former Maghtab dump today to witness the planting of hundreds of trees as part of the rehabilitation process.

The trees sponsored by HSBC, have been planted on the side closest to the coastroad.

Dr Gonzi said this was an important milestone in the transformation of what had been a major environmental scar on the country. The closure of the dump had been one of the environmental targets of the legislature and a process which had taken years was now reaching an important stage.

Environment Minister George Pullicino recalled the process leading to the closure of the dump and how €4 million had been spent to extract and destroy trapped gasses. Over 90 wells were drilled for this purpose.

Some 2,000 trees and shrubs have so far been planted on the site. An irrigation system has been installed for them.

During his visit Dr Gonzi was presented with a cheque for 30,000 euros for the rehabilitation process by HSBC. The presentation was made by HSBC CEO Shaun Wallis.

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