This week, an extensive cleanup process began at White Rocks, led by the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness.

Through a joint effort between Project Green and Clean Malta, the cleanup is being carried out with the aim of clearing the area of waste that has accumulated over the years, including construction waste, thereby making the site more accessible and safe. In just three days, close to 600 tonnes of waste were collected.

During a site visit by Minister for the Environment, Energy and Public Cleanliness Miriam Dalli, and Parliamentary Secretary for Public Cleanliness Glenn Bedingfield, it was explained how, in the course of this cleanup process, squares that had become covered due to accumulated waste and overgrown vegetation were uncovered.

Minister Dalli explained that the vision for White Rocks is that, while long-term plans are being drawn up – also as a result of the public consultation – parts of the site will begin to be made accessible to the public in the not-too-distant future, and it is precisely for this purpose that this cleanup process has begun.

“The public consultation on the three national parks is still ongoing and many ideas have come in, particularly regarding White Rocks. That is why we have already launched the first initiatives, including the removal of waste on the site by the Cleansing Division – in particular construction waste – as well as work by Project Green to clear various areas. We want people to start coming to this place, to start getting a feel for it, and we will continue to develop our ideas so that this area truly becomes a national park by the people, for the people,” said Minister Miriam Dalli.

Parliamentary Secretary Glenn Bedingfield stated: “Today we are beginning a new chapter for our country. We are giving back to Maltese families the largest stretch of land in our country, to become a green lung for our families – a place where children play, parents rest, and the community comes together. This is a courageous and unprecedented investment in quality of life and in the future of the Maltese people – an investment we are making possible because we have a strong economy. We are building a Malta that is more humane, more beautiful and more ambitious.”

Once the cleanup process is concluded, Project Green will trigger another phase of works, during which it will analyse the site in greater detail, including studies on the topography of the area, analysis of existing structures, as well as studies on flora and fauna.