€20 million for road projects

It is the first of the pre-electoral capital projects that will see a massive upgrading to major routes on the Maltese transport infrastructure.

The government will be carrying out infrastructural spending on five individual projects. The construction of a dual carriageway road between Fgura and Smart City along with resurfacing of a number of roads in the Cottonera area bordering the Smart City is estimated to cost €1 million. Work is to commence in July 2011.

At project at the US Embassy junction in Ta’ Qali will incorporate a new storm water system, the upgrading of existing storm water culverts and the upgrading of the existing roundabout junction. The estimated cost of the project is €460,000 and has already commenced.

Triq San Anard, Ta’ Barkat in Xghajra will be reconstructed in conjunction with the construction of a new Sewage Treatment Plant at an estimated cost of €880,000.

The Qui-si-sana area is currently being upgraded in conjunction with the Tigne Tunnels and development costing. The estimated cost of the completed project is €1.1 million and is expected to be completed by August 2011.

The Valletta pedestianisation is to be continued with paving of Archbishop Street, Santa Lucija Road, Dejqa Road, parts of Melita Street, Old Theatre Street and parts of Republic Street. Works will commence in May 2011 and are expected to be completed by July 2012 at a cost of €2 million.

€5.4 million will be spent on major roads, €6.5 million in reconstruction, and €7.9 million on residential roads, minister Austin Gatt said.

“Roads are usually the responsibility of local councils, but as these roads are major arteries the government has intervened in their construction,” the minister said.

14 different contractors have been employed on the different on the various projects, stretching contracting capacity to the maximum. So far the projects are all on schedule. 

All residential roads earmarked for government intervention will be completed by June 2012, after which local councils will resume responsibility for maintenance.