€1 million regeneration project in Kalkara announced

Ġnien ir-Rnella set to be Malta’s first carbon neutral garden

A €1 million regeneration project has been announced for Ġnien ir-Rnella in Kalkara. The garden, also known as the ex-military cemetery, is set to be completed during the first quarter of 2022.

The project was announced by Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development Miriam Dalli and Minister for Finance and Employment Clyde Caruana. The garden incorporates innovative technology such as solar paving, smart benches, and smart solar bins. Making use of renewable energy powering the light and a smart irrigation system, the garden will be carbon neutral.

The regeneration of the garden also took into consideration the protection of the site’s architectural heritage. Additionally, four reservoirs were restored for rainwater harvesting, which will in turn be used to water the garden through a solar irrigation system. This system will be operated through solar energy, thanks to solar paving.

The installation of smart bins will improve efficiency in waste collection. The innovative technology will send an alert when the bin is full, thus notifying administrators.

“This project serves as an example for other open spaces. Whilst we are giving families more open spaces, we want to provide sustainable open spaces. With just one project, thanks to innovative technology, we are conserving water, making efficient use of renewable energy, and ensuring that upkeep is a priority”, explained Minister Miriam Dalli.

From his end, Minister Clyde Caruana said that, “Despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, as a government we are looking ahead so that in the next budget more funds are allocated to embellish our country, and above all, create more open spaces”.

Minister Caruana said that families living in the South of Malta contribute a good deal economically. Therefore, government will continue investing in these areas, to keep improving the livelihoods of these families. In this year’s budget, landscaping will be given priority, while a series of projects will be announced through which it will be ensured that families will be able to enjoy themselves.

Present at the press conference were the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development Anthony Gatt, the Director-General of Parks Malta Adrian Attard, and representatives from the Kalkara Local Council, led by Mayor Wayne Aquilina.