Wied Il-Mielah Valley Restoration and Management of Storm Water
What is this project about?
Regrettably, over the years, as a result of lack of planning and management, no preventive and corrective measures had been taken to maintain the natural landscape of the Wied il-Mielah valley area.
As a result of heavy rainwater and lack of appropriate monitoring, rubble walls had been left to deteriorate;
Fertile soil gradually eroded and became degraded;
Dams within the valley had been left to pile with debris in such a way that these no longer served their original purpose;
Due to lack of proper monitoring and control on a nearby landfill, the area was abusively littered with waste.
Objective of the project
The valley’s derelict state prompted the Gharb Local Council to seek ways to redress the precarious environmental situation by giving the green light to a conservation programme which, inter alia, has the aim of addressing the degradation of one of the most scenic valleys adorning the Gozitan countryside.
The Project Description
The project mainly involves:
Taking stock of the environmental degradation through a number of surveys;
Repairing and rebuilding derelict rubble walls;
Stopping the loss of fertile soil;
Clearing debris from within the existing dams and carrying out repair works thereto;
Promoting the area as a recreational spot;
Promoting environmental awareness by protecting wildlife and nature in the Gozitan countryside;
Involving different stakeholders in the rehabilitation programme.
Who will benefit?
Gozo, the Gozitan Countryside and its tourism community
How much is being allocated to the project?
€ 199,760
How is the project progressing?
Through this project we have:
Removed 9617 Cubic m. of rubble and debris from the valley basin;
Shifted 1070 Cubic metres of fertile soil from the valley and redeposited it into the nearby fields for agriculture purposes;
Rebuilt 4102 sq.m. of derelict rubble walls;
Promoted project participation of different stakeholders, namely, school children, farmers, members of the Gozo Business and Tourism Communities;
Raised public awareness of Wied il-Mielah as an area rich in biodiversity;
Increased agricultural activity by upgrading accessibility infrastructure.
Structural Funds Programme for Malta 2004-2006.
Project part-financed by the European Union - European Regional Development Fund.
Co-financing rate: 75% EU:25% Government of Malta.
