Extensive road works

Major arterial roads are currently being rebuilt to modern European standards. The extensive programme of works was sorely needed as Gozo's road network has suffered in recent years under the constant flow of heavy vehicles ruining the inadequate infrastructure.

Government's decision to reconstruct, rather than tarmac over, a number of arterial and residential roads was indeed commendable and the results are there for all to see.

Residential streets that had never been asphalted are being built in practically all Gozo's villages. Several streets in Ghajnsielem, Victoria and Ghasri were recently built properly, as was part of Il-Qacca road or the main entrance to Xaghra.

More work is planned in other residential areas in Kercem, Marsalforn, Nadur, Sannat, Xaghra, Xewkija, Victoria and Zebbug - as can be attested by the several calls for tenders in the Government Gazzette in recent weeks - besides the long-waited works in other main roads such as Ramla road in Nadur.

Gozitans and non-Gozitans who hold the island's interests at heart will approve such works.

This, not to mention the major works in progress on two of the main thoroughfares of the island - the Victoria-San Lawrenz stretch and the Mgarr-Xewkija road.

Perhaps some may be forgiven for complaining about the time it takes to complete certain works, yet the intensity of the reconstruction projects is one that we are not used to.

Walking frequently to Ta' Pinu during the several months since the initial works started on the Victoria-San Lawrenz road, I could not help but notice the extent of the reconstruction.

The extensive culverts dug beneath the road surface to accommodate existing and new services, and the incredible amount of franka stone that has been piled beneath the new road to solidify its base, certainly justifies the millions of liri that are being invested, I dare say, in this new stretch of road. I trust that the same applies to the Mgarr-Xewkija stretch.

I find it, therefore, ludicrous for those who try to belittle or ignore the extensive road works carried out in Gozo in recent years, unless, of course, there are ulterior motives to certain claims. Road works are among the most visible carried out by any local or central government, through what is usually a transparent procedure that can be challenged if not approved of.