Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1547126
MORE than 36,000 cubic metres of waste and landfill have been removed from Mġarr Valley in Gozo as part of rehabilitation works aimed at improving rain- water flow and reducing flooding risks during heavy rainfall. The works, which covered an area of 9,000 square metres, also involved removing invasive veg- etation and clearing obstructions that were disrupting the natural flow of water through the valley. The Ministry for Gozo said the intervention was intended to im- prove the valley's capacity to col- lect and retain rainwater, while protecting surrounding agricul- tural land and allowing natural habitats to regenerate. Minister for Gozo Clint Camill- eri said the works formed part of a wider programme to reha- bilitate valleys across the island and improve their management in preparation for the winter months. The programme also covered Wied il-Kbir, Wied tal-Marga, Wied ta' Marsalforn (Ta' Kittina), part of Wied ta' Xħama, Wied ta' Mġarr ix-Xini and Wied l-In- fern. Some of these valleys had not been cleaned for decades, the ministry said. The ministry added that the necessary permits and approvals, including those from the Plan- ning Authority and the Environ- ment and Resources Authority (ERA), had been obtained. The contractor and project manage- ment team were selected through public tenders. The rehabilitation works are in- tended to improve water passage through the valleys, reduce the accumulation of rainwater caused by blockages and strengthen protection for the surrounding environment as Gozo faces the challenges posed by increasingly heavy rainfall. 4 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 16 OCTOBER 2026 NEWS More than 36,000 cubic metres of waste removed from Mgarr Valley More than 36,000 cubic metres of waste and landfill have been removed from Mġarr Valley in Gozo as part of rehabilitation works aimed at improving rainwater f low and reducing f looding risks during heavy rainfall The rehabilitation works are intended to improve water passage through the valleys, reduce the accumulation of rainwater caused by blockages and strengthen protection for the surrounding environment (Photo: DOI) CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 The proposed inter-island connection is among the early routes being modelled by the two companies following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on 14 October. The Tidal Polaris Amphibi- an is designed to take off and land on water as well as con- ventional runways. It is being configured to carry up to 13 passengers and can operate fully electric on shorter jour- neys, using onboard gener- ators to extend its range on longer routes. EVIA AERO intends to in- troduce up to 20 Polaris air- craft to Europe under the agreement, which includes ten firm positions and options for a further ten. The Valletta-Gozo route is being considered as a short, fully electric connection be- tween the two islands. EVIA AERO and Tidal Flight have begun a joint operational study of European city and is- land routes that could take ad- vantage of the aircraft's ability to operate from waterways. The companies said final routes would depend on cer- tification, ground and water infrastructure, and demand. EVIA AERO aims to become one of the first operators to fly the aircraft once it enters service, subject to European Union Aviation Safety Agen- cy validation and a definitive purchase agreement. The Polaris is currently in development, with Tidal Flight progressing powertrain and subsystem testing as it works towards type certifica- tion. EVIA AERO studying fully electric route between Valletta and Gozo The Tidal Polaris Amphibian in EVIA AERO livery. Rendering: Tidal Flight