Updated - Valletta Ditch project shelved for lack of funds

The part of the City Gate project which would have involved the embellishment and use of the ditch under City Gate has been shelved to make the projected funds available to partly bridge the shortfall of funds for the main project, Infrastructure Minister Joe Mizzi told Chris Agius (PL) in reply to a parliamentary question. The minister said the original Mepa permit included the embellishment of the ditch and its use for the catchment of rain water for use as second-class water in the new Parliament building and for watering of plants. The plan also included turning the ditch into a public garden. This had been estimated to cost €1.9 million as part of the €80 million issued by Malita plc. But the Parliament building and City Gate projects had fallen short of funds, the minister said. Meanwhile, on Wednesday-Thursday night City Gate was briefly closed while two large concrete blocks were transported and laid in place along one side of the bastions as part of the design which replaces the gate.