Sliema works

With reference to the letter entitled Slow Works In Sliema by Stephen Ganado (September 6), the Ministry would like to make further clarifications.

Mr Ganado chose to misinterpret facts in his own way so as to obscure Works Division projects and the personnel involved. Works at Ghar id-Dud involve not only the embellishing of the area but structural works on the retaining wall that deteriorated over the years. Before the intervention works, no one, Mr Ganado included, noticed the dangerous structural conditions of the promenade's retaining wall!

The works of the first phase involve the demolition of the deteriorated wall, the excavation of material between the wall and the promenade and the construction of the new retaining wall which is replacing the deteriorated wall.

The process of replacing and reconstructing the retaining wall is not a simple task. It comprises careful demolition without spillage of material into the sea, excavation, construction of concrete tie beams and the reconstruction of the retaining wall itself. Obviously, extra precautions as regards safety have to be observed.

It is not true that works on the first stretch of the wall took three months to be completed because, first of all, works on the Ghar id-Dud embellishment project started during the first week of July and the repairing of the first 100m stretch of the wall took four weeks. Other sections of the retaining wall necessitated more intervention.

The Ministry would like to emphasise that the stormy weather, especially rough seas, are very common at Ghar id-Dud and primarily that was the reason that works on the retaining wall are being carried out during the summer season.

This Ministry reiterates that it does not need any form of certification from Mr Ganado. The public appreciates the work being carried out by the Works Division.

Projects like the two Barakkas and Hastings Garden in Valletta, Paceville embellishment project, St Thomas Bay, Xghajra, Xemxija Promenade and various other projects are concrete facts that reflect the good management practice being achieved. The projects were implemented according to acceptable standards using high quality materials and good level of workmanship with the sole aim of giving the public value for money projects.