Residents’ cars blocked after contractor ‘abandons’ M’skala works

Marsaskala residents have had their cars blocked for over four weeks after the contractor abandoned road works in Triq il-Gandoffli, facing the sea. According to the residents, the work started around seven weeks ago.

"After the road was dug the contractor simply left and kept the road closed, abandoned, and in a wreck for over four weeks," one of the residents said.

"This is also how long residents have been unable to use their garages some of which have their cars and boats locked inside. Residents don't even know when works will resume or be completed."

The residents said that when contacted, Transport Malta had told them that it was aware that the contractor had not honored his obligation and he will be paying fines for the delays.

"Does this mean that residents will be compensated for their inconvenience or will the government simply cash in the money?" the residents asked.

The residents said they have been "suffering far too long without a proper road". "After tens of years begging to have a proper road, we were made to believe that works started but what actually happened was that this road was made far worse than it ever was as now it's totally inaccessible," they said.

Reacting to the residents' concerns, Transport Malta said it had been monitoring developments on the project for a number of weeks and had been constantly in touch with the residents about the issue.

The transport authority said that it had also conducted some emergency interventions using other contractors.

"The contractor, who has been carrying out construction works on Triq il-Gandofli for over 7 weeks was expected to complete the job within 4 weeks. Following various instructions issued to the contractor to complete road construction works within the stipulated time frame, Transport Malta advised the contractor that it would not be extending the road works permit beyond April 4," the authority said

TM also said the contractor was still going to be liable for any penalties due under the contract of works as well as under LN29/10 covering road works.

The contractor has already had €1,000 deducted from his bank guarantee for initially carrying out works without a permit. 

The contractor will also reimburse Transport Malta for the emergency interventions which TM had to make using on-call contractors.

TM also reiterated its regrets for the inconvenience caused to the residents.