Clampdown on illegal roadworks

Communications Minister Austin Gatt yesterday ordered the Malta Transport Authority (ADT) to take immediate and strict action if any illegal roadworks are undertaken by local councils or any other entity.

The Ministerial Policy Directive was sparked by works being carried out by the Żebbuġ local council on the bridge in Marsalforn without an ADT permit.

In a letter to the ADT, copied to the permanent secretary at the Ministry and to the Police Commissioner, Dr Gatt referred to the Marsalforn works saying that "the public good is being sacrificed to suit private interests".

He said he believed it was more than evident that the sole purpose of the works was to enable a kiosk owner - a Żebbuġ local councillor - to have more space on the pavement where to place tables and chairs.

The works consist of the narrowing of the carriageway and the consequent widening of the pavement including the part that adjoins the kiosk.

"It is evident that these works will have great detrimental effect on the carriageway since with the narrowing of the road, the previous centre strip had been done away with; the road is barely wide enough for two cars to drive through; and it is impossible for a coach and a car to pass at the same time and this in a two-way road," Dr Gatt said in his letter.

He said the ADT had already taken action to stop works.

When contacted yesterday, the mayor of Żebbug, Charles Saliba, said he preferred not to comment on the matter. The kiosk is owned by Labour councillor Victor Refalo.

The ministerial directive lays down that whenever local councils or any other body undertake works on public roads or pavements without the necessary permits from all authorities as required at law, the ADT will alert the Police Commissioner and ask him to stop the works immediately. The authorities from whom a permit is needed might include the ADT itself, Mepa, the Water Services Corporation and Enemalta.

The ADT must issue a stop notice against whoever is carrying out the works and take the necessary steps to ensure that works are not resumed without official consent.

Any public safety hazard should be rectified at the expense of the local council or person concerned.

The ADT should only enter into negotiations with whoever carries out illegal works when the road/pavement is returned to its original state.

A month-long period may be allowed for reinstatement, after which the authority will carry out the works itself at the expense of the local council or person involved. Delays in the reinstatement of sites beyond the time limit will carry a daily penalty of €100 (Lm43).

Until the site is returned to its original condition and all expenses are paid for, or in the case that works are carried out by the authority, the ADT will not entertain any other applications by the local council or person concerned.

The authority is to seek legal advice as to what criminal and civil action can be brought against those undertaking illegal works.