Sliema works

Reading the correspondence between Stephen Ganado and Charles D' Alfonso regarding the Sliema Promenade works, I could not believe what I was reading in Mr D' Alfonso's reply (September 13).

I fully agree that the works needed to be done and I applaud the ministry for getting on with the demolition of the Chalet and the refurbishment of the waterfront. But I must also agree with all that Mr Ganado said in his previous letters.

I live and work in Qui-Si-Sana and know for a fact what is happening. Works started at the end of May and took till August for the stretch to the Chalet to be finished. I cannot understand how Mr D'Alfonso said that works started in July when all of us in Sliema know they started in May.

Although it may make sense to carry out the works in summer to avoid the rough seas, Mr Ganado is correct in asking what other countries do when their bad weather lasts for longer than the two or three days it lasts here.

I can confirm that the works on the first stretch of promenade did in fact take nearly three months to complete. I can also confirm that works used to start at around 7 a.m. with all the workmen leaving between 10.30 a.m. and 11 a.m. It is only since Mr Ganado started writing that the workmen are seen to remain on site till around midday and are now turning up on Saturdays too!

The works on this first stretch consisted of reconstructing the concrete base and columns for the handrails, a matter of removing the old base, setting up the metal forms and pouring concrete. Strangely enough, works seem to be moving at a quicker pace now that the retaining walls are being rebuilt and all the extra "complications" are involved. Again, perhaps complaining does reap results!

I must once more congratulate the ministry for finally getting the work done and agree that it is no simple task, but no-one walking along the promenade can congratulate the ministry on the way the project is being handled. I hope Mr D'Alfonso does not again try to justify the slow work. He should accept some constructive criticism and do something about it.