The infrastructural works on the road at Chadwick Lakes has been completed with a €3 million investment by the Energy and Water Agency. The project included reinforcing the basin walls and reconstructing a section of the main road. This intervention was necessary after severe storm damage that caused sections of the retaining wall of one of the main basins at Chadwick Lakes to collapse.
During a site visit, Water Chief Policy Officer from the Energy and Water Agency, Dr Michael Schembri explained that these works have re-established the water storage in the basin – the largest of its kind in the Maltese Islands; with a holding capacity of around 35,000,000 litres. This project complements the work carried out on the upper part of the valley, which was recently restored and offers a walking trail of around two kilometres. The rehabilitation works were carried out by the Energy and Water Agency with the support of Nature Trust Malta and the Environment and Resources Authority. In 2024 alone, more than 9,200 people enjoyed this walking trail. With the rehabilitation of the dam and the re-establishment of this catchment area, which before the original works was almost filled up with silt, this volume of water is once again available for the agricultural activities in the area. This is an important lifeline to these agricultural activities – since sourcing this water from alternative sources (such as water tankers) would cost the farmers around Eur70,000 per year.
Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Public Cleanliness Miriam Dalli and Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works Chris Bonett explained that Infrastructure Malta carried out these works with the financial support of the Energy and Water Agency. The newly rebuilt road extends from one end of Chadwick Lakes to the other and is crucial for farmers who work the fields in the area, as well as for families who frequent the valley to enjoy its natural environment.
Minister Miriam Dalli said, “Through this project, we are strengthening infrastructure while protecting our country’s natural heritage. This is the first project of its kind in such a sensitive ecological area, restoring the largest water catchment in our islands while also creating new space for families and the entire community to enjoy nature. The common good is our absolute priority, and through our efforts, we are further reinforcing Malta’s ecological future.”
Minister Chris Bonett stated, “This is a clear example of how investment in infrastructure can not only restore access and safety but also respect and enhance our natural environment.” He went on to explain how the damage caused by the storm was turned into an opportunity to improve the area, allowing families, farmers, and nature enthusiasts to better enjoy Chadwick Lakes.
The architects involved in this project explained that, due to the geological nature of the valley, the works were divided into different phases to ensure safe access for machinery and workers. Despite the use of concrete pillars and iron structures to consolidate the area, the design still complements the natural environment and character of the valley by using limestone blocks. The project was completed by reinstalling the railing separating the road from the basin, which was also renovated, to further enhance the area’s natural surroundings.
These works were carried out in collaboration and agreement with the Energy and Water Agency, Infrastructure Malta and the Environment and Resources Authority, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.
