Wied il-Għasel, one of Malta's most important valleys, is to get a much-needed clean-up following approval of a permit by the Planning Authority. The works will be carried out by the government.  

The valley, one of Malta's most important, suffered the ravages of quarry works over a number of years.

The approved works will see the area in Naxxar, which is celebrated in Sammy Bartolo’s  song ‘L-Aħħar Bidwi f’Wied il-Għasel’, getting a total upgrade, the PA said.

The site which stretches for more than 1.5km from Għajn Riħana Valley near the Victoria Lines between Mosta and Bidnija to Saint Catherine of Alexandria chapel in the valley beyond the quarries.  

"For years this area suffered from spillage of silt due to the surrounding quarries and concrete plants. Cast inert material can be seen along its path. Thanks to the approval of the application submitted to the Planning Authority by the Works and Infrastructure Department, the famous valley will be rehabilitated to its former glory. The works are to be funded through EU Structural Funds, the PA said.

Clean-up works will take place upstream from the existing dam near the Ballut Quarry. The dam near Ballut Quarry to Għajn Riħana will also to be cleaned. This will increase the dam’s water retention capacity.  

Indigenous trees will be planted on the side embankments. Earth retentions will also be constructed to break the rapid flow of flood and also maximise water retention capacity. 

Precast concrete units at the base of the embankment will be removed. To prevent the slippage of such units, stone slabs in the end basin will be added.