PRESS RELEASE BY THE PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARIAT FOR PUBLIC WORKS Boċċi Club returned to the Kirkop community after 18 years

In recent weeks, the Public Works Department completed extensive regeneration works at the boċċi club in Ħal Kirkop. This project transformed a site that had been in a state of abandonment for nearly 20 years into a fully operational community facility.

The works began with a comprehensive clean-up, which included the removal of construction waste, clearing of overgrown vegetation, and debris accumulated over decades. At the same time, the pitch surface, covering an area of 200 square metres, was topped with a fine 25mm layer of sand to meet the required playing standards.

Structural interventions included excavation works, the laying of a new concrete base for tiling, the demolition and rebuilding of a stone wall with new foundations, as well as adjustments to ground levels to improve accessibility. Around 60 square metres of anti-slip outdoor tiles and 20 square metres of indoor tiles were also installed, along with an adequate drainage system and proper levelling.

Upgrades were also carried out to the electrical system, including, among others, the replacement of spotlights, repairs to lighting poles, and the provision of full lighting and power supply within the rooms. In addition, plastering and painting works were undertaken, 64 new sports seats were installed, and a traditional wooden boundary surround was fitted around the perimeter of the boċċi ground.

The project also included the installation of new aluminium doors and double-glazed windows, along with a main galvanised steel gate and two additional steel gates. Waterproofing works were also carried out on the roofs of the rooms using a liquid membrane and polymeric mesh system. This project will ensure optimal long-term use, enhanced safety, and improved accessibility, while restoring this club as an important recreational hub for the Ħal Kirkop community.

Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works Omar Farrugia stated that, “From a space that had been abandoned for several years in Ħal Kirkop, we managed to transform it into a community space where the game of boċċi, which is so popular among us Maltese, can be enjoyed. Ħal Kirkop now has its own club where it can play and compete in local competitions. This is our commitment – to continue transforming spaces so that our communities can benefit from the investment we are creating together."

For his part, the Mayor of Ħal Kirkop Matthew Agius Zammit, said that after 20 years, Ħal Kirkop now has its own boċċi club. He thanked the Parliamentary Secretariat for the support given in turning this dream into a reality for the people of Kirkop.

The President of the Federation of Boċċi Clubs, Clinton John Saliba, thanked the Parliamentary Secretariat for the work undertaken so that the Kirkop pitch was reopened and for the support being given to boċċi clubs in Malta thereby strengthening this sport so that this traditional Maltese game continues to thrive and grow. He also thanked the workers of the Public Works Department for the valuable work they carry out in boċċi clubs across Malta.

This project in Ħal Kirkop is one of several carried out in different localities, including Ħaż-Żabbar and Żurrieq, where works have been undertaken in their respective boċċi clubs – an important sport in Maltese culture. Furthermore, this forms part of the wider range of works carried out by the Public Works Department across various sports organisations in Malta.