21st May 2007

Chadwick Lakes Project

The Chadwick Lakes Project had the aims of increasing the supply of water beneath the soil, i.e. the underground water table, and also ensuring that rainwater would no longer flood parts of Mosta and Burmarrad as in the past. What was unique about this project, however, was the fact that the works carried out safeguarded the flora and fauna of the area, using newly-constructed rubble walls strengthened with gabions imported for this purpose from Italy.

A number of small dams were built so that natural rainwater would not be lost but would have more time to penetrate the rocks and thus be stored in the aquifer to be used for irrigation purposes by the farmers of the surrounding areas.

The project works also included the repairing of field-retaining walls flanking the watercourses in the valley; the cleaning and desilting of the lakes behind the dams; and the re-introduction of specimens of local flora absent for some time from the valley.

Visitors to the site, both the Maltese general public and tourists, were also catered for. Bridges were introduced for the benefit of people crossing over from one part of the valley to the other. These were complemented by stepping logs as well as a viewing gallery so that one could enjoy panoramic views from strategic points.

An increase in opportunities of employment for youths skilled in trades necessary for the Chadwick Lakes Project was a by-product of this Labour Government initiative. Not only did this project provide new opportunities of employment for skilled workers but it also ensured a cadre of workers trained by top Mediterranean hydrologists. These workers would acquire practical skills in the rehabilitation of valleys which could be used in future similar projects in other parts of the Maltese Islands.
 

+ Download the article on Sir Osbert Chadwick by Andrew Miller, MP UK.

+ Download the Chadwick Lakes Presentation (2003).