Roads the highest priority

Recently official announcements have been made regarding the need to spend millions of euros on the repair of Malta and Gozo's historical fortifications and the regeneration of the Grand Harbour area. I have no doubt that both these projects are necessary and the money would be well spent.

What about our roads? Where are the millions of euros earmarked to repair and resurface many of our main roads? We pride ourselves to be a leading member of the European Union yet I am sure that we have some of the worst roads of the 27 members.

If one only looked at the roads in the area where I live, Vjal it-Trasfigurazzjoni, the main road into Lija, is breaking up, the Mosta to Lija main road which goes past the Lija cemetery ensures you get the roughest of rides while Vjal l-Indipendenza in Mosta reminds one of the rolling of a ferry in rough seas. I have just mentioned three major roads but the list goes on and on, such as Fleur de Lys Road in Birkirkara or Labour Avenue in Naxxar. Other correspondents from other parts of the island will list the roads in their residential district which need a complete overhaul.

I ask once again what money is destined to be spent on such roads by the end of the year. The government should get its priorities right and the rebuilding of roads has got to be right at the top of its shopping list. I am sure fortifications and harbour generation will not mind waiting a little bit longer. Roads just cannot and it is the taxpayer's right to demand good roads on which to drive their vehicles.