Manwel Dimech works pick up

The rhythm of work on Manwel Dimech bridge has picked up, Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett told Parliament yesterday.

He said work was boosted following the casting of a 50-metre stretch of the bridge deck. Preparatory work for the rest of the bridge deck was proceeding well and the casting was expected to be made next month.

The minister said work had fallen back in the first few months of the project for various reasons, including the fact that the nature of this work was new for Malta. The Transport Authority had asked the contractor to revise his work programme to recover the lost time. The authority's consultants would then assess whether any delays in the completion of the bridge would be justified.

Mr Mugliett also disclosed that the contractor had indicated alleged additional expenses which were not covered in the contract. The ADT's supervisors had to date not approved such additional payments, he said.

The minister was replying to a question by Evarist Bartolo (MLP).