The government is considering the possibility of extending Rinella sandy beach, the only beach in Grand Harbour, Infrastructure Minister Joe Mizzi said this morning.

The extension would be made by introducing foreign sand, as was done elsewhere such as St George's Bay.

He was speaking at the end of the first phase of an embellishment project on the beach, near Kalkara.

The works so far have included new lighting, disability access, benches and bollards, at a cost of €30,000 for the government.

Other works in the pipeline include the building of a public convenience where toilets will use sea water while showers will use rainwater. There will also be changing rooms. 

Mr Mizzi said the works were part of efforts aimed at breathing new life into the Rinella, Bighi area.