In 2004, the part of Salina named ‘Major Sukkursu’ was dredged. The following year the ‘Minor Sukkursu’, which runs parallel to the Coast Road, was dredged as well. These dredging works were required because of the foul odours that used to emanate from the channel due to lack of water circulation.

Major Sukkursu, Salina

During the dredging works at ‘Minor Sukkursu’ a concrete base was uncovered and subsequently removed.  This concrete platform served the purpose of stabilizing the embankment lining the newly built coast road.  However the invert level of this concrete layer was relatively shallow at 0.5m below sea level.  This concrete layer has proved to be an obstruction to the sea water circulation within the Minor Sukkursu, with the result that substantial lengths of the channel have become clogged with subsequent deposits of ‘alka’ and flood water silt.

Precast Elements

As such, the concrete platform had to be replaced so as to serve the dual role of reinforcing the road and deepening the channel at the same time. With this aim in mind various U-shaped reinforced elements were designed, manufactured and put in place.

Additionally, works were required to build, reinforce or repair dilapidated stretches of rubble wall which separate the Sukkursu Channel from the salt-pans.  The rubble walls have no foundation and require lateral strengthening.  The deeper precast concrete ‘U’ channels serve this purpose as well as increasing the volume of the flow and aiding sea water circulation.

Special permits, regarding habitats were sought from MEPA and these were approved at the beginning of 2009.
 
Another problem was that the works could not be carried out from the Coast Road since this is a busy arterial road, but this problem was resolved by the laying of a temporary constructed path than enabled the deployment of construction equipment to reach the site without inflicting lasting damage to the Sukkursu.

Works are being carried out by personnel from the Services Division within the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs.

Works were completed by the end of August 2009.