Hang on... it's too wide

If roads were human, Glormu Cassar Avenue, in Valletta, would probably sue the authorities for the unnecessary surgery it has undergone in recent months.

Workers yesterday were busy tearing up a sizeable section of pavement they recently built because, in the words of a government official, "they realised they made a mistake as the pavement was sticking out too far".

But this is not the first surgical correction to the road which leads to the Prime Minister's office, where the Cabinet also holds its weekly meetings. Just a month after the original makeover, completed in time for last November's Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the road had to be patched up because the tarmac had deteriorated at the lower end. The contractor had to put it right at his own expense.

But just under four weeks ago, work started on the extension of the newly laid pavement next to the statue of former Prime Minister George Borg Olivier, opposite the Malta Stock Exchange.

The road and junction close to Auberge de Castille, which houses the office of the Prime Minister, were dug up and modified and work on the extension to the pavement began. Yesterday, however, part of the paving work had to be torn away after it was realised that it protruded too far, obstructing part of the road on the harbour side.

Malta Tourism Authority director Mario Attard - whose directorate is responsible for the project - said the paving work was the second phase of the project announced back in October, before CHOGM.

"We broke it down in two phases because we were afraid the work would not be completed in time for that international event," he said.

He could not explain the modification of the new pavement, saying it was a question for the architect responsible to answer. "But he's attending a three-day seminar right now."

Asked about the length of time it was taking to finish what amounts to no more than a 100-metre stretch of pavement, Mr Attard said that, unfortunately, contractors had to be "chased" to get things done, especially when it comes to small projects.

"I have been promised that the work will be finished within a week," he added. Moreover, any mistakes, Mr Attard said, would be rectified by the contractor. "This is a project funded by the EU and we cannot possibly exceed the parameters."