Contracts for work on 45 roads awarded

Work on 45 residential roads and two roundabouts in 17 localities, estimated to cost Lm840,000, will start soon after 13 contractors were awarded period contracts yesterday.

The work is part of a programme to complete 450 roads by next year.

Contractors' names and the roads they will be working on were drawn during a meeting yesterday morning.

Urban Development and Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliett said that with most of the work on arterial roads being financed through funds coming from abroad, the government was able to concentrate on residential roads. He explained that about 450 roads had been identified and Lm9 million earmarked for the works. After talks with local councils another 15 roads were added.

He said the usual tender-issuing procedure was not feasible for such a large number of roads and last October it was decided to start issuing period contracts, which ensure equity in the distribution of work among contractors. Since contractors would not be given more work unless they delivered quality work on time, this also served as a mode of quality assurance. Almost Lm2 million worth of works have already been distributed among contractors.

The minister highlighted the importance of having equal distribution between contractors, adding that, previously, some contractors used to quote a low price to win contracts, but the quality of work and their respect for timelines was not satisfactory.

Mr Mugliett said some 165 roads have already been completed or are about to be finished. This includes the extension to the Park and Ride area outside Valletta, which should be ready in the coming days.

Roads in Fgura, Zabbar, Swieqi, Marsa, Tarxien, Birkirkara, Naxxar, Attard, Dingli, Paola, Marsascala, Mosta, Qrendi, Mqabba, Zebbug, Mellieha, St Paul's Bay and Zejtun were in the batch awarded yesterday. Although contractors' names were drawn by lot, they can exchange batches as long as they inform the Malta Transport Authority by today.