Balluta Bay Is Back! Newly-Sandy Sliema Beach Reopens To The Public
Swimmers and sunbathers, rejoice! The beach in Balluta Bay has officially reopened to the public, following sand nourishment works.
The project was funded by the nearby Marriott Hotel (formerly Le Méridien), which has entered into a commitment with the government to fork out these costs for the next five years. However, it will remain open to the general public free of charge.
Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi said the government is committed to making more beaches accessible throughout the summer months so as to improve Malta’s tourism product.
He noted that Balluta Bay is part of a sand nourishment project that incorporates three other bays: St George’s Bay in Birżebbuġa, Fajtata Bay in Marsaskala and Għar l-Aħmar bay in Marsaxlokk.
“We will work to ensure that these beaches will be enjoyed by both tourists and locals,” he said.
However, St Julian’s mayor Albert Buttigieg has cast doubt on the motives behind the Balluta Bay project, and has sought assurances that the beach will not be privatised in any way.
“Are we to be considered naive enough to think the hotel is doing this out of the goodness of its heart and expect nothing in return?” he asked.
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