The St Julian’s local council and business community have welcomed plans to replenish the sandy beach at Balluta Bay once again, but urged the government to pursue a long-term approach instead of yearly top-ups.
Times of Malta reported on Wednesday that the beach extension – inaugurated last August but swept away within months – would be repeated yearly at a cost of around €80,000, with Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi arguing the cost was worthwhile for people to enjoy the beach over summer.
St Julian’s mayor Guido Dalli, asked by Times of Malta for his views, said he was pleased the project would be reinstated but raised questions about its long-term sustainability.
“The beach itself is very positive; everyone prefers having it there,” he said.
“It’s just a question of whether it makes more sense to invest in a breakwater. If they prefer to do it year by year, the council is not opposed, but we already know that the first strong grigalata [north-easterly wind] is going to carry the whole thing away.”
His views were echoed by Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association president Tony Zahra, who said businesses around the bay, which include a hotel and several bars and restaurants,…
