Solutions to combat high waves that are the of scourge Marsalforn’s promenade in winter are being considered by the Government.

Since a breakwater built in the 1960s was swept away years ago, waves have pounded Marsalforn bay during stormy weather and are slowly eroding the shoreline.

Following violent waves in 2010, the Żebbug council, which is responsible for Marsalforn, had insisted the breakwater must be rebuilt.

We are considering proposals by consultants and will decide on the way forward

But the promenade is still exposed and suffers significant damage whenever rough seas crash ashore.

Last month a reader of The Times pointed out that the Marsalforn seafront suffered structural damage following “one of the most severe storms yet”.

A Gozo Ministry spokesman said the area was restored to remove any danger and inconvenience following the March 16 storm, which damaged the bridge on the seafront.

The Projects and Development Directorate (within the ministry) carried out the work on March 18 and quotations will be published for other necessary works that cannot be completed by direct labour.

However, the spokesman said the new Administration considered finding a long-term solution to be a priority.

The previous Gozo Ministry had appointed consultants to provide advice on how to address this problem.

They considered rebuilding the existing breakwater would not be effective unless its arm is much longer and higher than the original structure, with a related high cost and impact on the bay, the spokesman said.

The consultants noted adequate protection could be provided through a low breakwater at the centre of the bay. This could also provide protection to the valley outflow and improve the flow of water from the valley into the sea during heavy rainfall.

“The proposed solution has not been received favourably by the community at Marsalforn for its visible impact and doubts about whether the water circulation would be sufficient.

“While the visible impact in the design has been kept to a minimum, the consultants consider circulation would be adequate.

“We are at the point of considering the proposals by the consultants and deciding on the way forward,” he added.

In 2011, the planning authority said that, following the submission of the project description, it had informed the Gozo Ministry that an Environment Impact Statement and an Appropriate Assessment were needed to process the application.

A Mepa spokesman said both documents were being compiled by the applicant.