Ambjent Malta Defends Concrete Around Barakka Garden Trees

Photos circulating online showing concrete placed around trees at Barakka gardens prompted widespread concern after Momentum Chairperson Arnold Cassola shared an image of a tree planter stripped of soil and apparently encased in concrete. The post drew hundreds of comments from people questioning whether the works could pose a risk to the gardens' mature trees.

Ambjent Malta has since clarified that the concrete is a temporary measure forming part of ongoing waterproofing works. The material directly surrounding the tree's trunk and roots has already been removed, and authorities confirmed that the works will not cause lasting harm to the trees.

The intervention is being carried out to address serious water infiltration into the historic tunnels beneath the gardens, which house the Lascaris War Rooms and are managed by Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna. Footage released by the foundation showed stormwater and irrigation water flooding sections of the underground complex, which includes tunnels dating back to the Knights of St John and expanded further under British rule.

Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna said repeated flooding has already destroyed or irreparably damaged parts of the complex. Both organisations maintain that the waterproofing works have now succeeded in protecting the tunnels, while efforts were made throughout to preserve the gardens' existing trees.