Works at Marsa watercourse on schedule

Melvyn Mangion, Communications Co-Ordinator at Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure, writes:

I refer to Mike Beerman's article (The Times, September 16) whereby he criticised works at the Marsa watercourse, saying there are delays in the project.

The works on the Marsa and Burmarrad watercourses, carried out during the hot summer months, are on schedule and as originally planned.

Following last year's freak floods due to the heaviest rainfall in the last 25 years, the Marsa sports area suffered severe damages.

The Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure had immediately compiled a report on the issues to be tackled and works commenced soon after.

It is completely unfair to state that there was no collaboration from the Works Division throughout the progress of this vital project for the Qormi and Marsa areas.

Regular meetings have been held with all the associations, councils and third parties connected with with this project.

I kindly ask Malta Rugby Football Union to confirm this with the Marsa Sports Club, with whom the Works Division has held regular meetings this summer.

The Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure has provided alternative means of energy generation equipment to the Marsa Sports Ground upon such request. However, the Malta Rugby Football Union has never approached the ministry with such a request.

A meeting with the Malta Rugby Football Union has been held at the initial phase of the project and it was announced that all efforts would be made to finalise the works by the end of September.

Mr Beerman was wrong in saying that no completion date was given to the Malta Rugby Football Union.

The Ministry for Resources and Infrastructure is working hard to abide by this deadline and provide temporary energy generation equipment to the sporting bodies requesting such assistance during the working phases.