Roadworks in Paceville bad for business

The hospitality and Leisure Section of the GRTU has hit out at the people responsible for the roadworks being carried out in the heart of Paceville.

The nightlife mecca has degenerated into a concoction of potholed roads, dust and leaking pipes.

Mr Philip Fenech, president of the division, yesterday took the media on a tour of several streets in Paceville to experience the "shambles" being caused by the roadworks.

The last thing the tourism sector needed at this point in time was the dilapidation of Malta's main night spot, Mr Fenech warned.

Roadworks to improve the water system have been going on for a couple of months, though the extensive works have been going on for the last three weeks.

Mr Fenech lamented that the roads were not being properly resurfaced and there was no adequate signage warning of impending danger. Heavy machinery was being left lying idle in front of establishments, and water was sometimes seen leaking out of temporary pipes lined up along the streets.

Some traders, especially those that provided outside dining and drinking, were losing a good proportion of their business because of the roadworks.

The heavy rain on Friday was a blessing in disguise as it helped to dispel the clouds of dust which have prevailed in recent weeks, Mr Fenech said.

He could not understand why contractors did not work longer hours with more staff to get jobs done more quickly.

"We understand the work needs to be done, but not at this particularly delicate period in time, when the summer season is kicking off," Mr Fenech protested.

Besides, the works were clearly in contravention of the regulations which prevent works from being carried out in tourist areas during the summer season.

He said it was important to care for every single tourist as proven by the dismal results of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association survey, released on Friday.

Instead, several tourists were commenting about the dismal state of Paceville.

He said the Malta Tourism Authority had been alerted about the problem, especially after the vast majority of operators in the area had inundated the GRTU with complaints.