PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY AND PUBLIC CLEANLINESS AND THE MINISTRY FOR LANDS AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ELECTORAL PROGRAMME: The environment by children, for children: A young boy drives forward environmental regeneration

Developable land in Swieqi will be turned into an open community space

An initiative launched by a 12‑year‑old boy will see a parcel of land within a development zone in Swieqi transformed into an open space for the enjoyment of other children and the wider Swieqi community. The plot –

about 450 square metres – is being transferred from the Lands Authority to Project Green so that the agency can help Thomas Gatt's voluntary organisation turn this dream into reality.

During a meeting with Environment Minister Miriam Dalli and Lands Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, Thomas and his parents explained that he has always cared deeply about the environment and wanted to take an active role. That led to the idea of creating the voluntary group Making Malta Beautiful Again (MMBA), through which Thomas hopes to inspire other children to roll up their sleeves and help create a better environment.

Thomas's dedication caught the attention of the relevant authorities, and an agreement was reached for him and volunteer supporters to contribute to the creation and upkeep of a new open space in the heart of Swieqi. The site lies within the development zone and is close to the parish church, making it easily accessible to the community.  “My idea was to borrow a piece of land from the government, embellish it, and make it a beautiful green area in nature created and maintained by the surrounding community, but also for the community to enjoy," he said.

Minister Miriam Dalli stated, “Every open space we create or regenerate is meant to improve the quality of life of the surrounding community. When I met Thomas and his parents, I saw not only his enthusiasm for open‑space projects but also his determination to see them through. That's why we decided to help him fulfil his dream; just as we are assisting other organisations and councils to realise their visions for more beautiful, accessible gardens, parks and valleys."

Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi added that transferring the land to Project Green forms part of an ongoing Lands Authority programme to identify urban plots that can become green spaces. He described Thomas's plan as providing a communal area while furthering the government's pledge to deliver more open spaces in the heart of localities. With Project Green's assistance, cleaning work will soon begin on the site. At the same time, with help from an agency architect, Thomas will draft a garden design, after which the project's implementation phase can get underway.

Photos (DOI/MEEC)