BirdLife Malta
57/28, Abate Rigord Street, Ta’ Xbiex, Malta
[email protected]
Date: 13th July 2026
To Whom It May Concern,
BirdLife Malta is a leading environmental NGO committed to the conservation of birds and their habitats across the Maltese Islands. One of our key sites is the Salina Nature Reserve, a site of historical and cultural importance as well as an ecologically significant area that is a Natura 2000 site rich in biodiversity.
We are seeking quotes from suitably qualified companies / individuals for works on repairs to the outer sea walls of the Salina salt pans to fix damages sustained because of Storm Harry. These works would be expected to be carried out in the period August to October 2026. BirdLife Malta will have one person appointed on site to supervise the project.
Scope of Works
Description of the Structure
The damaged structure primarily consists of a coastal sea wall constructed with a supporting base of large stone blocks, over which smaller limestone masonry blocks have been installed and dowelled into the larger base stones. The sea wall system is founded on sand and/or fill material. The damaged area of the sea wall extends over an approximate length of 50 meters and a width of up to 3 meters. This sea wall forms part of the boundary between the sea and the salt pans and includes a canal opening through which seawater flows into the pans. (Refer to Appendix A, Photos 1-5)
Observed Damage
Following inspection, the sea wall was found to have experienced significant damage. This includes the dislodgement and displacement of the outer limestone masonry blocks measuring about (40 cm x 50cm by 100cm long), movement of the underlying large stone foundation blocks and loss of alignment and continuity along the wall face. (Refer to Appendix A, Photos 6,7 and 10)
At the canal opening, more severe localised failure was observed, where the supporting base of large stone blocks has detached and been displaced, and the overlying lintel stones spanning the canal inlet have been severely damaged and washed away. (Refer to Appendix A, Photos 8 and 9) The dowel connections between the stones have failed and become dislodged, while the stone blocks themselves exhibit bearing failure and crushing at the contact interface, indicating overstressing during the storm event. (Refer to Appendix A, Photos 7-13)
As a consequence of the displacement of the outer sea wall stones, seawater was able to penetrate beneath the adjacent stone paving (measuring 30cm x 30cm x 60cm). This led the underlying sand and/or fill material to be washed out resulting in the formation of voids and loss of support beneath the paving. (Refer to Appendix A, Photos 14) Consequently, settlement of the stone paving has occurred in areas immediately adjacent to the sea wall. (Refer to Appendix A, Photos 1-3, 5, 7, 10 and 15)
Proposed Remedial Works
In order to reinstate the sea wall structure and prevent further deterioration, a series of remedial works will be required. These works include:
1. The removal of the existing dislodged blocks forming part of the sea wall, as well as the removal of displaced stone paving blocks adjacent to the wall.
2. The extraction of all dislodged dowels.
3. Retrieval of limestone blocks that have been displaced/washed away into the sea/saltpan in shallow water.
4. The reinstatement of the underlying sub-base beneath the paving.
5. The placement of appropriate fill or concrete suitable for marine applications together with a geotextile layer.
6. The stone paving will then need to be relayed and the joints regrouted.
7. The retrieved limestone blocks shall be assessed for reuse and reinstated where deemed suitable.
8. Provide replacement limestone blocks (tal qawwi) to replace blocks that not reusable
9.The canal area and its supporting base shall be reconstructed, including the reinstatement of lintels spanning over the canal opening.
10. Where the existing lintels are found to be unsuitable following retrieval, new lintels shall be supplied and installed. These lintel blocks (tal qawwi) measure 166cm x 40cm x 40cm.
11. The sea wall shall be fully reinstated, including the correct placement and dowelling of limestone blocks with 20mm stainless steel dowels of the correct length, to restore the structural integrity and function of the coastal sea wall.
Companies / individuals are encouraged to include estimated lead times (within the time frame quoted above) and any applicable warranties or maintenance guidelines in their submissions.
A clarification meeting will be held on site on Wednesday 22nd July 2026 at 10.00am (meeting point Salina nature reserve visitor centre).
Please send your quote, by completing the attached form, by Friday 31st July 2026 to the contact details listed above.
Should you require further clarification or wish to visit the site before submitting your quote, feel free to get in touch.
We look forward to receiving your proposal.
Kind regards,
Mark Gauci
Head of Land Management
BirdLife Malta