Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1376560
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 MAY 2021 2 BOATING MARCH was an eventful month for the Grand Harbour because of an ongoing general clean-up that was and still is currently underway and in full swing, in an effort to make way for the continuation of our ongoing Grand Harbour Regeneration Programme, thus restoring our main port to its former glory. As our natural harbour is marked with natural splendour and natural creeks, and adorned by unique cultural heritage dat- ing back to the Middle Ages, making it one of the most beau- tiful ports in the Mediterrane- an, the Valletta Grand Harbour is indeed our window to the rest of the Maltese Islands, our showcase for the thousands of visitors, notably those tourists visiting our islands through our unique and majestic port. In a press statement which was published following a ministerial press conference, Hon Minister Dr. Ian Borg said, "This Govern- ment is aware of the potential and reputation that Malta has in the maritime sector, and we are committed to maintaining this standard as well as to improving it. With this initiative and poli- cy to clean the Grand Harbour from these ships, we will also be complementing other interven- tions such as the Grand Harbour Regeneration Plan as well as other projects such as the Grand Harbour Clean Air Project and the new wharf at Ras Ħanżir. We are aware of the degree that the maritime industry in Malta is a pillar of the national economy and how it generates many jobs, and so it is our duty to safeguard it and improve it." During that press conference, the Minister also made refer- ence to the initiative to remove laid-up vessels in various parts of the Harbour, an action which will also serve to prevent poten- tial damage to the marine envi- ronment. He also reiterated that both Government and Transport Malta officials will be in contact with representatives of industry, NGOs, and all stakeholders, so that the maritime sector flour- ishes while also being sensitive to social expectations and needs. The maritime and shipping industries are two of the most important contributors to our economy, through which it is ensured that there is a continu- ous supply of most commodities to the islands, on which every local household and business is dependent for its well-being and to a certain extent, survival. It is for these reasons that the Authority for Transport in Mal- ta together with other entities will be embarking on a number of projects set to regenerate the port of Valletta, thus enhancing the services that can be offered, not to mention the flexibility that the port can offer to the shipping and maritime indus- tries in Malta as a whole. One of the projects will include the maintenance dredging of a number of areas within the port, thus providing deeper waters and providing additional flexi- bility to the types of vessels that can be accommodated within our harbour. Areas known as Ras Ħanżir, Church Wharf, and Bridge Wharf, together with other areas, are all earmarked for this intervention, which will ultimately maximise the opera- tional options and efficiency of Industry stakeholders. To make sure that these works proceed without any delays, that were scheduled to commence during the first quarter of 2021, the Ports & Yachting Directorate within Transport Malta, togeth- er with the assistance of other Directorates of the Authority and in line with legislation, have initiated several operations to remove a number of vessels and wrecks scattered around various locations within the harbour. The complexity of these oper- ations is not to be underestimat- ed; noting that a number of ves- sels, now considered wrecks, are The Grand Harbour clean-up in full swing PHOTOS BY PETER PAUL BARBARA