Works expected to be completed by Sunday evening

The third phase of the St Julian's embellishment project is expected to be completed within the next couple of days, extending the length of upgraded promenade - from Sliema to Spinola - up to 2.5 km, Resources and Infrastructure Minister Francis Zammit Dimech said.

The works should be completed on Sunday evening, barring a few finishing touches that would no longer obstruct traffic and inconvenience residents, he said.

The Sliema/St Julian's project, which has cost the government Lm1.5 million, would also be connected to the Tigné Point project and the already embellished Gzira promenade, as well as St George's Bay, said Prime Minister Eddie Fenech Adami, who toured the extensive works yesterday.

He referred to the entire project as the "golden mile".

Dr Fenech Adami said that Lm10 million have been spent on embellishment projects over the years since 1996.

They were being carried out in an "organised, serious and programmed" manner.

The upgrading works include the widening of the pavements, improvement of facilities, construction of belvederes, installation of bollards and railings, new paving, street furniture and recreation areas.

The St Julian's water polo club is also being rebuilt and a platform is being constructed on the sea between the two clubs in the area. The promenade is also being connected to the platform for access to the sea.

The St Julian's project, which covers a distance of about 1 km from Spinola to Barracuda, is divided into four phases, two of which have been completed.

Work on the fourth phase, which covers the area between Neptunes water polo club and Barracuda, is intended to begin at the end of the summer season to avoid inconveniencing the public. It should be completed by the beginning of next year.

Embellishment works are also being carried out at Wilga Street in Paceville, while the square in Spinola and St George's Bay are next in line, together with Birzebbugia and Xghajra Bay.

Works on the Sliema promenade covered an area of 1.5 km from the Fortizza to Balluta, increasing the area along which people could walk by 50 per cent, Dr Fenech Adami said.