This project will connect Wied Speranza with Wied il-Għasel and Wied il-Qlejgħa, making the area more accessible and safer for the public.

“In Wied Speranza, we witness the beauty of nature, especially after a storm when the valley comes to life. With this investment, we are creating a trail in Wied Speranza that is accessible and safe, allowing the public to enjoy nature at its best. It is important to note that this is a natural valley, which therefore requires full preservation and holds significant environmental value,” said Minister Miriam Dalli.

Currently, cleaning of the valley and removal of invasive species that harm the valley’s ecosystem are​ underway. These will be replaced with native species that complement the natural environment. At the same time, restoration work is being carried out on the traditional rubble walls found in the valley. As preparatory work, coir logs, made from biodegradable materials, will be placed to level the pathways and prevent soil erosion.

Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi stated, “This project in Wied Speranza is a clear example of how European Funds are being used to protect natural areas and to create accessible and sustainable spaces for the community. As a government, we will continue to design and implement projects with a vision for a greener and more inclusive Malta. We want European Funds to be invested in projects that not only improve our rural environment but also enhance people’s quality of life.”

Melchior Psaila, the Project Manager, said, “We are working hard to restore 1,100 meters of accessible pathways for the public. We want to continue raising awareness about the preservation of our valleys, and we urge the public not to dump illegal waste in these areas, to avoid harming their ecosystems and biodiversity.”

The valley’s name, Speranza, comes from the chapel built in 1760, which holds great historical and cultural value for the Mosta community. It was built over a cave where, according to legend, a young girl was hidden and saved from pirates thanks to a miracle attributed to the Madonna. The chapel is dedicated to Our Lady of Hope (Madonna tal-Isperanza), and inside it contains statues and paintings depicting this legend.

This project is co-financed by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD).