One of the most scenic places in Gozo, Wied il-Mielah, has finally got rid of a sewage outfall which had caused it to be shunned by visitors.

The valley, near Gharb, was cleaned up and rehabilitated in the past months by Gharb Council and the government, using EU structural funds.

Streets were resurfaced and eight small bridges were built or rebuilt in traditional style. Six dams were also built, to hold  a total of 7200m3 of water.

Rubble walls were repaired and new trees were planted. Security cameras operating on solar energy were installed.

There is also easier access for viewing of the picturesque Azure window - similar to the one at Dwejra - which is at the mouth of the valley.

The main problem to date, however, remained a sewage outflow. This has now been stopped, with the dirty water being diverted to the sewage treatment plant at Ras il-Hobz, which has also replaced the outfalls at San Blas, Wied il-Ghasri and Mgarr ix-Xini.

"This has opened a new era in the environmental story of the western side of Gozo," Gharb council said.

It recalled that it had, for years, pressed the authorities to stop sewage flowing down the valley. 

"Today, finally, Wied il-Mielah is becoming its old self, an important area in the locality which was always used by the locals for cultivating their fields, for family outings, fishing and years ago, as a swimming site," the council said.

It thanked all those involved in the work and said it has also published  brochures and a booklet promoting Wied il-Mielah country walks covering the Wied il-Mielah area and other places of interest in Gharb.