Work to rebuild and improve the 45-metre long Xlendi quay has been completed.

With an investment of €180,000, the project has not only led to safer facilities for fishermen, maritime operators and boat owners, but also visually improved the infrastructure.

Details were given during a visit by Capital Projects Minister Ian Borg and Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana.

The lower quay’s passage was widened and designed with more space to improve safety for those who use it to embark or disembark, while new facilities are in place to tie boats on the sides of the quay.

The old quay was built decades ago and had become dangerous due to its contact with sea water.

During a storm earlier this year, the outer part of the quay collapsed and urgent works were carried out at the beginning of summer.

Dr Borg said that next year, Infrastructure Malta will coordinate the construction of a new breakwater in Qrejten and the development of new landing sites in Cospicua and Sliema.

He explained that in the case of Gozo, Infrastructure Malta will be carrying out dredging works as well as the rebuilding of the Mġarr Menqa quay, while the pontoons of the same harbour will be replaced with new ones. Similar pontoons will be replaced in Marsaxlokk.

“This government is aware of the great strides made by the maritime sector, even in the case of small boats where there has been a substantial increase in the number of boats, which increases the importance of these types of investments."

Dr Caruana said another important project will start at Mġarr Harbour next summer, which includes the dredging of the seabed and increasing berths for Gozitan fishermen. The dry standing areas in Mġarr and Xlendi will also be embellished.

Plans for the reconstruction of the Marsalforn breakwater are proceeding well.