Works at Għar Lapsi 'at an advanced stage', safety a 'top priority'
Public Works Minister visits ongoing restoration works following Storm Harry devastation
Works on the ramp leading down to storm-battered Għar Lapsi Bay are “at an advanced stage” as interventions prioritise safety at the popular swimming area.
Għar Lapsi will remain closed for the summer after January’s Storm Harry devastated the area, destroying the slipway, washing away a seaside restaurant and wrecking boats inside boathouses.
Restoration works, which are estimated to cost €2 million, started in March but no date has been given for the completion.
Last week, Times of Malta visited the area to find a trickle of would-be beachgoers arriving only to find the access road to the bay gated off.
Local Government and Public Works Minister Alison Zerafa Civelli visted ongoing works at Għar Lapsi on Thursday morning.
Concrete blocks have been installed and concrete was poured on site as part of works to begin forming a ramp that will be used by swimmers and visitors.
The project aims to strengthen existing infrastructure, improve accessibility and enhance safety for all those visiting the popular area, a ministry statement said.
Zerafa Civelli said the government is committed to improving accessibility and infrastructure through the project so that the area can once again be enjoyed by the public in a safe and organised environment.
She stressed that safety remains the top priority in every intervention being carried out, particularly at a site that attracts large numbers of visitors and tourists.
The minister added the works are designed to address existing risks while improving the experience of those visiting the area, with the aim of returning Għar Lapsi to the public as an accessible, safe and sustainable destination.
Architect Mario Ellul explained that the works are divided into three main areas: the slipway, the ramp leading to Għar Lapsi, and the consolidation of rock formations in Għar Lapsi Bay.
"This rock suffered substantial erosion as a result of Storm Harry. Works on the ramp are at an advanced stage and, once these blocks are in place, the new concrete surface will be laid. At the same time, a detailed study is being carried out and designs are being prepared for the interventions needed to eliminate the risk posed by unstable rock around the bay," Ellul said.
Access to the bay will remain restricted while the works continue “in the interest of public safety because of risks related to the stability of the cliffs”, the ministry statement continued.
The government said it “remains committed to carrying out the interventions to the highest standards of safety and quality while keeping the public informed about developments”.