Great news for athletes and footballers on the island, not-so-great news for the fauna in the area. 

Sports Malta plans to turn Msida’s Valley Road reservoir into an 11-a-side football pitch, with its own parking area, bar, and cafeteria. 

This area is known to flood very easily as it collects excess rainwater from Msida and Birkirkara.

The area in question falls outside the development zone and spills onto the little agricultural land in Msida. This means that, should the development go through, some trees and plants will be uprooted – although Sports Malta promises to replant new ones to replace them.

The Environment Resources Authority (ERA) has commented on the risky plans, stating that this will demolish the little undeveloped rural land in an ODZ area that is right on the main road.

Another concern raised was an accumulation of noise and light pollution in the area.

Back in 2020, an 11-story commercial and residential development was proposed by a private developer in the same area. The plans were eventually suspended due to objections from the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage, ERA, and the Msida and Santa Venera local councils.

Do you think Msida needs a new football pitch?