Transport Minister says road projects are on time and on budget

Infrastructural projects on six arterial roads are "on time and on budget", Transport Minister Austin Gatt said today.

Speaking at a press conference on the Ten-T Projects, Gatt said there have never been so many ongoing projects at the same time on principal roads as today.

He said that the current projects include a €35 million investment, of which 85% of the costs were covered by the European Union. This amount follows other €60 million projects which were also EU funded.

The Ten-T Projects are made up of the Council of Europe Street and the Garibaldi Road in Luqa, the Moll ic-Cangatura Street and the Triq il-Ghassara tal-Gheneb in Marsa, the December 13 Avenue in Marsa, the Marfa Road connecting Mellieha to Cirkewwa, the Mellieha Bypass in Mellieha and Mgarr Road in Xewkija, Gozo.

"Government has spent €95 million on arterial roads - a much needed investment considering the state the roads were in," Gatt said, adding that a considerable amount of investment went into infrastructural projects since Malta's accession to the EU.

"The projects are on time and on budget. We are not only reaching the targets, but we might also finish ahead of schedule," he said.

The Transport Minister said the jump in quality was also due to the fact that contractors were asked to raise the quality of their works. Quality tests are also carried out during the works and after the works are completed.

Government is also expected to complete 202 residential roads by April, two months ahead of schedule. This amount also means that government no longer has any backlog of resident roads, Gatt added.

During 2012, government is also expected to spend €10 million in small projects such as surface patching and paving.

The Transport Minister said that the 25 contractors working on the different projects employ between them some 1,500 workers. Gatt added that 1,500 individuals would end up without a job if "whoever is in government decides to stop these projects".

Council of Europe & Garibaldi Road, Luqa

€10.4 million were spent on the 2.2km road. Works started in early 2011 and are expected to be complete by the second quarter of 2012.

Awarded Contractor: Road Network Construction Ltd

Moll ic-Cangatura & Triq il-Ghassara tal-Gheneb, Marsa

€7.5 million were invested in the 1.3km road. Works started in March 2011, with the duration set at 50 weeks. Minor delays were encountered due to cultural heritage discoveries made. Two reservoirs were also built.

Awarded Contractor: Road Network Construction Ltd

December 13 Avenue, Marsa

Works started last November as target completion date is set at the end of 2012. The €6.5 million investment includes laying of services, works on diversion routes, works in Spencer Gardens and excavation for reservoir and exit road from the underpass to the Menqa area.

Awarded Contractor: Road Network Malta JV

Marfa Road, Cirkewwa

The total budgeted cost for works is around €10.7 million for the 2.6km road. Works started last March and completion date is set to the third quarter of 2012. Works included the resurfacing of diversion routes, the re-alignment and widening to improve road geometry and construction of reservoirs.

Awarded Contractor: Polidano Bros Ltd

Mellieha Bypass, Mellieha

The €7.4 million investment on the 1.9km road started last November. Works will be concluded by end 2012 and include major excavation works, site clearance in expropriated areas and resurfacing of diversion routes.

Awarded Contractor: Road Network Malta JV

Mgarr Road, Xewkija - Gozo

Works on the 3.1km road started last March and are to be completed by the third quarter of this year. The €11.9 million investment included resurfacing of diversion routes, construction of retaining walls and dismantling relocation of Grandmaster's Building. Delays were encountered due to cultural heritage discoveries.

Awarded Contractor: Road Network Construction Ltd