Expert inspection finds compacted layers preventing grass growth and questions €310,000 landscaping project
Momentum has claimed that material typically used in concrete production and road construction was laid over soil at the Ta’ Qali picnic area, rendering the ground unsuitable for natural vegetation and raising questions about how public funds were spent.
The party said it commissioned an independent on-site inspection by a local expert, who excavated exploratory holes across the area. According to Momentum, the inspection confirmed that the natural soil has been sealed beneath two imported layers: a top layer of fine sand and a lower layer of fine, heavily compacted gravel.
The gravel appears to be washed hard stone sand, which is commonly imported for use in concrete and road building because of its resistance to fragmentation, rather than landscaping-grade aggregate, Momentum said. The party argued this type of material is not suitable for park rehabilitation.
The expert concluded that the degree of compaction effectively prevents seeds in the original soil from germinating, as roots cannot penetrate the barrier. Momentum said that, based on professional experience cited in the report, only highly invasive running bamboo would likely be capable of forcing its way through such a layer.
The soil has also become “practically impermeable” to water, further inhibiting plant growth and natural regeneration, the inspection found.
Measurements indicate that the sand and gravel layers are between 10 and 15 centimetres deep across an area of roughly 22,000 square metres. Momentum estimates that applying a 15-centimetre layer over the site would require about 3,300 cubic metres of material.
If the total project cost was €310,000, this would translate to close to €1,000 per cubic metre, a figure the party said raises serious concerns about value for money and procurement practices.
Momentum concluded that the intervention appears to have been designed to suppress natural grass growth unless new seed is added from above, resulting in a landscape that cannot function as a healthy green public space.
Reacting to the findings, Momentum leader Arnold Cassola said the government should not spend additional public funds on further expert studies.
“Robert Abela, we are providing this expert assessment free of charge,” Cassola said. He called for those responsible for “ruining the Ta’ Qali family park and misappropriating €310,000” to reimburse taxpayers and restore the site at their own expense.
The government has not yet responded publicly to Momentum’s claims.
Momentum has claimed that material typically used in concrete production and road construction was laid over soil at the Ta’ Qali picnic area, rendering the ground unsuitable for natural vegetation and raising questions about how public funds were spent.
The party said it commissioned an independent on-site inspection by a local expert, who excavated exploratory holes across the area. According to Momentum, the inspection confirmed that the natural soil has been sealed beneath two imported layers: a top layer of fine sand and a lower layer of fine, heavily compacted gravel.
The gravel appears to be washed hard stone sand, which is commonly imported for use in concrete and road building because of its resistance to fragmentation, rather than landscaping-grade aggregate, Momentum said. The party argued this type of material is not suitable for park rehabilitation.
The expert concluded that the degree of compaction effectively prevents seeds in the original soil from germinating, as roots cannot penetrate the barrier. Momentum said that, based on professional experience cited in the report, only highly invasive running bamboo would likely be capable of forcing its way through such a layer.
The soil has also become “practically impermeable” to water, further inhibiting plant growth and natural regeneration, the inspection found.
Measurements indicate that the sand and gravel layers are between 10 and 15 centimetres deep across an area of roughly 22,000 square metres. Momentum estimates that applying a 15-centimetre layer over the site would require about 3,300 cubic metres of material.
If the total project cost was €310,000, this would translate to close to €1,000 per cubic metre, a figure the party said raises serious concerns about value for money and procurement practices.
Momentum concluded that the intervention appears to have been designed to suppress natural grass growth unless new seed is added from above, resulting in a landscape that cannot function as a healthy green public space.
Reacting to the findings, Momentum leader Arnold Cassola said the government should not spend additional public funds on further expert studies.
“Robert Abela, we are providing this expert assessment free of charge,” Cassola said. He called for those responsible for “ruining the Ta’ Qali family park and misappropriating €310,000” to reimburse taxpayers and restore the site at their own expense.
The government has not yet responded publicly to Momentum’s claims.