Malta - Rome Meeting 2014 Comenius Water Project 2013 - 2015 Msida Malta - Rome Meeting 2014 Comenius Water Project 2013 - 2015

Msida 2.5km away from Valletta. Area: 1.7km2 Previously a fishing village. Name originates from the Arabic word ‘Mzuda’, meaning ‘fishing’ .

1950s 1990s The landscape of Msida has changed a lot over the years due to flooding. Land Reclamation took place in 1986 Bridge that used to cross the road collapsed. Main cause flooding Inlet was narrowed after collapse because buildings where constructed. Torpedo depot of world war 2 used for maintenance of submarines demolished 1986 land reclamation took place  building of parks and gardens allowed Present Day

The Valley of Msida Many flood water projects have been done to try and combat the damages that occur. These projects where not only in the limits of Msida but also in the surrounding area that make part of the catchment area of Msida. These projects, although help with flooding, do not solve the problem, therefore Msida still floods to the present day. Flooding is dependent on the amount of rain  torrential rain causes worst flooding Flooding causes a problem because Msida is one of the main transport hubs of the island If it floods access to the northern region of malta is made more difficult. One project --> level of road was increased higher that average so water could pass from tunnels underneath the road in 1987

Historical development of msida

Population Msida used to made part from Birkirkara  became an individual settlement in 1867. Birkirkara is now the largest town in Malta. The first recorded population  1148 people in 1860. In 1901  increased to 2893 people. In 1996,  increased to a staggering 6906 people. The population at present day  7600 people. Considering its position (proximity to Valletta)  its population not extreme.

Msida used to made part from Birkirkara  became an individual settlement in 1867. Birkirkara is now the largest town in Malta. The first recorded population  1148 people in 1860. In 1901  increased to 2893 people. In 1996,  increased to a staggering 6906 people. The population at present day  7600 people. Considering its position (proximity to Valletta)  its population not extreme.

Msida is a highly dense urban area. The Msida Valley area cannot be clearly distinguished from their urban neighbours. Much of the construction occurred in the post war period Much of the Msida valley and its water catchment  subject to development result contributes to storm water run-off and flooding along Valley road and Msida creek. Much of the construction happened in post war era Increase in population during this time mainly housing Housing built inland from the old waterfront areas Between 1985 and 1995 the population of Msida had increased from 6,219 to 6,942. Most housing is abandoned or is being abandoned Housing in Msida is of poor quality  contributing to aging population  not attracting new buyers Rural fringe of Msida is being protected by government

Few well paid jobs do not attract new buyers. The jobs in the area are mainly those in shops offices and those offered in showrooms. Few well paid jobs do not attract new buyers. This area is also subject to flooding, requiring a catchment management plan for the valley basin. Few well paid jobs  ageing population new buyers are not attracted to area

MsIda As a Transport Hub Buses are the primary method of public transport for the islands, which offer a cheap and frequent service to many parts of Malta and Gozo. Buses have been used on the island since 1905. These classic buses have become tourist attractions in their own right, due to their uniqueness, and are depicted on many Maltese advertisements to promote tourism as well as on gifts and merchandise for tourists. replaced by a new and more efficient model- Arriva (3 July 2011) The network includes a day bus service from 6am to 11pm and a night service from 11pm to 6am.

Msida is one of the main transport hubs on the island. Msida is very close to Valletta (Malta’s capital City) , only 2.5 km away. A vast number of buses, stop in this area. When flooding occurs in the area it heavily disrupts traffic flow The public transport system in Malta has recently been totally overhauled and new modern buses have replaced the old classic buses that where on the local streets for over 40 years. Mainly many of the busses which pass through Msida are headed toward the northern part of the island. Flooding- 41, 42 and 43 (most frequent buses)were temporarily diverted via some bypass (Birkirkara)

- Natural routes aid transport mainly to facilitate the students from the Junior College and further up to the university.

Flood Episodes in Msida

Mapped Area Mapped area Area most prone to flooding Mainly residential housed in bad state Shows aeging population thtough lack of attraction from new buyers High quaility housing and embassies

Msida is one of the areas which are prone to flooding on the islands. This is caused mainly because Msida is a low lying area, which is located at the mouth of a valt Torrential rain  water caught here – causes flooding7 Severity depending on the amount of rain Floods here usually have some of the severest effects compared to the rest of the island causing serious damage to infrastructure and personal property.

This cause a lot of damage to infrastructure and personal property. Valley Road, which leads from Birkirkara to Msida, has been closed to traffic for urgent repairs after yesterday's storm damage. The raging floodwaters ripped up tarmac from various parts of the street. Several cars were also carried down the valley and destroyed. An old house at the Msida end of the valley was partially demolished. Times of Malta, September 2012 In September 2012 Msida experienced some of the worst flooding in decades. This cause a lot of damage to infrastructure and personal property. Valley road, which is one of the main roads of the island had to be closed down due to severe damage.

Flooding

National Flood Relief project

It is a project funded by European Union. It is a massive tunnel under several localities Collects storm water to help reduce flooding. The project is designed to ease flooding in 12 localities works forced several roads in Birkirkara, Balzan, Qormi and Attard to be closed over the past weeks, including most of Valley Road All localities are liable to flooding Balzan, Lija, Attard, Iklin, Birkirkara, Gżira, Msida, Żebbuġ, Qormi, Marsa, Żabbar and Marsascala.

Water channeled into reservoirs.  11 kilometres of tunnels will be dug A Large reservoir has been built in Gżira to hold the water from the tunnel. used for other purposes because of lack of water in malta covered in two layers of specialised concrete to prevent damage by the gushing runoff water.