Breakwater bridge to be rebuilt

Bernadette Deguara

Feb 15th 2009, 17:23

Our money being spent on something useless, better if you utilize our money for something we can make use of!

joe scerri

Feb 15th 2009, 17:08

Whilst all these fancy projects appear commendable , as usual we keep getting our priorities wrong. $60 million for a new parliament cum cafeteria. $2.8 million for a totally useless bridge. Fix our roads first , the worst in the EU.

Patrick Deguara

Feb 15th 2009, 14:40

I would very much prefer that a bridge from Malta to Gozo will be built, instead of the Breakwater. Even though I only go to Gozo for once a year. What's the use of the bridge at the Breakwater?? Doesn't it take you to nowhere??

€2.8 million is ridiculous.

paul mizzi

Feb 15th 2009, 13:57

Isn't this alienation? Why is this project being scheduled when a huge project was being PROMISED for the st.elmo area during the electoral campaign?

And if this had to happen will the general public have access? I'm more than sure not!

Anywayssssss, konna u ghadna nghixu...

James De Giorgio

Feb 15th 2009, 12:59

If the breakwater is going to be built same as the original, why shouldn't the opera house be rebuilt on the same design, even if used for different purposes?

v.vella

Feb 15th 2009, 12:53

@ Victor vella
I see you can't recognise a joke when you hear one! I know very well what the sea looks like in a grigalata and I only wrote what I wrote to take the mickey out of this untimely project.
The building of this bridge to nowhere is frivolous and the sum mentioned is way over the top for a bridge this size. Besides, there are other more important priorities like the Upper baracca lift which would make life easier for tourists and Maltese alike.

Matthew Brincat

Feb 15th 2009, 11:00

Oh.. my.. god.. some of you people moan too much, get a life and open up your minds...

Joseph Sammut

Feb 15th 2009, 08:17

The breakwaters are "out of bounds" structures. There are signs to this effect on each breakwater arm and it is a known fact that when It-Turretta notice intruders, they call the AFM to investigate and warn these people off the breakwaters.

The breakwater arms are dangerous structures in that they are high off the sea level with no fencing to offer the minimum of security: a breakwater is never intended to the general public.

therefore in light of the above and with the re-instatement of this bridge, is MMA accepting to waiver these security issues? Or is the long arm breakwater still going to be out of bounds? Or are we dreaming of having conducted tours to local (maybe school children) and foreign tourists? To see what?

Has the reason for the gap between land and breakwater been taken into consideration? Was this to allow small craft not use the main port entrance: would that reason still be preserved?

So why has the present government even contemplated the reinstatement of this bridge. It is not a matter of how much it is going to cost: can we afford such projects at this moment of financial crisis. Prioritisation PLEASE.

B Cassar

Feb 14th 2009, 22:48

Can someone explain this to me? How come the tenders are expected to be issued next month, and the project is already expected to cost €2.8 million?

Anthony Pace Gouder

Feb 14th 2009, 20:54

A Bridge too far . Dr. Gatt . ! I agree that this bridge must be built , some day. Seems AMATEURS are IN CHARGE and keen to see projects thro' at all cost ! AGAIN... GOT YOUR PRIORITIES WRONG . ...... but let's stay on the subject.

As per photomontage . This design is Aesthetically incorrect .
Is completely different from the original , CONTRARY to the " very similar" as stated in this article.
This COATHANGER ( Sydney's Bridge nickname) , in miniature , seems to take the span in one stride . WHY does it overshoot the island support pillar /s ? Is this part structurally un-safe? One Full Span sends the cost SKY-HIGH .
This existing pillar section NOT SUPPORTING ANYTHING is rendered A STRUCTURAL HERESY.
Another remark.The suspenders should be VERTICAL and not INCLINED as shown . (Amateurs)
The Original Bridge was a GIRDER-TRUSS type , probably built by The Royal Engineers Army-men then stationed in MALTA .
Totally agree with fellow correspondents that the Drydock Workers could have been entrusted with this job .

The Girder -Truss results in :- a) FAITHFULL RE-CONSTRUCTION
b) SIMPLIFIED FRAME
c) SENSIBILITY
d) 1,000,000 euro are sufficient .

David Magro

Feb 14th 2009, 15:48

We had professional workers at the MDD who could have constructed this bridge with a less cost and in no time. Who is behind it ?

Robert Ritchie

Feb 14th 2009, 15:31

I love Malta and have been there many times, I also got married in Valletta. This might be a bit of a gamble but what about asking the people who bombed the bridge to contribute to the cost. OUCH. Just my sence of humour. Viva Malta.

Gerald Fenech

Feb 14th 2009, 15:14

more than 60 years late but welcome nonetheless

Ivan Attard

Feb 14th 2009, 15:11

€2.8 million???!!
What a sheer waste of money when that money can go to more urgent matters like the roads and securing our coasts from illegal immigrants.
This is just another distraction dreamt up by GonziPn to alienate the people from other MUCH more urgent issues.
By the way, is Piano designing this mess? At €2.8 million it sure seems to be!

victor vella

Feb 14th 2009, 14:51

@ v vella
I quite honestly think you do not know what you are saying.The breakwater is completely submerged under the waves during a gregale and most probably thats the reason why it was actually built in the first place to protect the harbour during these storms.Good luck , and please if you do manage to go there during a gregale make sure the bridge would still be there if you want to walk back, and wear a life vest.Otherwise good luck.

Joseph N attard

Feb 14th 2009, 14:28

The Government has got its priorities totally wrong. Roads, ROADS, ROADS, should be its number one priority. Not a new parliament, not Fort St Elmo, not subsidized housing to cheaters, not a bridge to nowhere. A civilized country MUST have decent roads. Our Malta is not Mugabe's Zimbabwe. All our governments since Independence should hang their collective heads in shame. The motorist has been fleeced, both legally and illegaly (18% VAT on registration tax) for far too long, without getting anything in return. We cannot wait for 20 or 30 years to have all major roads redone from the foundation. Scarify roads such as the Armier road, Dingli Cliffs road, B'Bugia to Marsaxlokk to Zejtun, Attard to Ta Qali, and many, many others, and give them a good layer of decent tarmac. Whoever is responsible should be ashamed for having paid for the last decades' worth of shoddy repairs on all kinds of main and secondary roads, resulting in moonscape surfaces. The contractors have been merrily laughing their way to the bank, maybe accompanied by someone else too? Ensure that new work is done to accepted trade specifications, with penalties for sub-standard work. And start the work YESTERDAY.

C Falzon

Feb 14th 2009, 14:05

I like the idea of rebuilding the bridge as it is a bit of an eyesore the way it looks now.
However the cost seems extraordinarily high. I'm wondering whether it is just a mistake by the Times or maybe the bridge is just a small part of some larger project, the 2.8 million being the copst of the overall project.
I've never bought a bridge so I don't know how much such a bridge would cost, but a little googling brought up this:

http://northshorejournal.org/prt-farah-funds-17-million-bridge

It is a 300 metre bridge crossing some river in Afghanistan and is said to cost 1.7 million Dollars.

The breakwater bridge in contrast is just some 75 metres - less than a quarter the one in the article I linked - and the cost is almost double. Also if I understood correctly the Afghanistan bridge will also carry vehicles whereas the breakwater bridge seems to be a pedestrian one.

Paul Mangani

Feb 14th 2009, 14:02

I completely agree with Karl Abela. It is nice to build the bridge but surely not a priority especially at this moment. If the funds where used for road repairs I think it will be more appreciated by the tax payer.....us. In my opinion rad repairs and landscaping is presently top priority

Julian Caruana

Feb 14th 2009, 10:11

I am not an architect or an engineer so I cant comment on the cost of the bridge and steel ( experts will do that ) .
................................................................................................................................................................
I think rebuilding the bridge is a GOOD Idea however for what reason if we are not able to walk on the breakwater. Can an Expert please put some constructive comments on the security issue. Are we worried about the ships or people??

In my opinion falling in that water in winter or when a ship is coming in might be dangerous however with the same reasoning you can make off limit half the island starting from dingli cliffs to all the bastion walls. ( I was hoping for some nice eveing fishing or a candle light picnic with a bottle of wine on the breakwater.... )

By the way we waited 60 years, cant we wait another year ?steel is going down rapidly due to economic crisis or then the bridge wont be finsished before next election???

Francis Vella

Feb 14th 2009, 01:17

I think rebuilding of the bridge is to be commended, if the breakwater would be open to the public and especially for Malta's heritage. It would be a nice stroll/jog especially if it is nice weather. Swimming and diving would be prohibited. To defray the costs, one may charge an entrance fee of 50cents or a euro, until the costs are recovered. A warden may be employed to keep order. Think positive. What is Heritage Malta saying?

Dr Savior Toretell Pisani

Feb 13th 2009, 23:25

This is Crazy...

Anything over Lm100,000 for that bridge is sheer waste of public funds!

It's nice to repair such a bridge after so long but in the end it's just a cosmetic addition to the Grand Harbour and consists of nothing but a few tons of welded and rivited steel...

Give me one year and I'll build it with my own bare hands for even less than Lm100,000...

Karl Abela

Feb 13th 2009, 23:18

The idea is good but we really need to prioritise and continue the recent road refurbishment....2.5 mill euros can cover quite a few miles of road repair and save us Maltese from alot of swearing.

Kenneth Pitchford

Feb 13th 2009, 22:19

My wife and I are regular visitors to Malta and I have always said that I think it would be nice to have the bridge rebuilt. I think the cost could be payed for by putting a toll on the bridge, maybe 1 or 2 euro per person. I think that a lot of tourists would be willing to pay the toll just to take photos of ships entering or leaving the harbour.I am ex Royal Navy and would love to be able to photograph Warships from the breakwater.

b Farrugia

Feb 13th 2009, 21:40

There is always something better to spend money on, but these other essential needs should not be forgotten. But finally this sore is to be fixed .
Can Italy and Germany help us out as a good will gesture. The project will open nearly open up nearly a kilometer of coastline although access around the Valletta shore line should be improved too. For anyone who has not visited this area, should do so it is very relaxing.
This area around Valletta is often forgotten.

Peter Aquilina

Feb 13th 2009, 20:16

Plans to have the Breakwater Bridge rebuilt ( as it was originally ) deserve a nationwide commendation. But......... at 2.8 million Euros cost ?

Anthony Mizzi

Feb 13th 2009, 20:16

Such projects, that Dr. Gatt seem to revere in are just mind boggling. There are funds for such a bridge but no funds for Ta' Qali Crafts Village a prime tourist attraction, visited practically by all tourists visiting the island n the way to Mdina. Will this project be like the Ghadira by-pass dreamed up by Dr. Gatt or just divertive tactics from Dr. Gonzi's compulsed u-turn to save face regarding St. John's museum project?

g.rizzo

Feb 13th 2009, 19:44

At the risk of being branded a Maltese gemgem I say this is simply a frivolous waste of precious resources. Can we afford to literally throw away 2.8million euros at this moment in time? Wouldn't it be better to spend that money on projects that would benefit the public instead of building a bridge that leads to nowhere? the furthest one can go is the lighthouse at the tip of the breakwater arm then it's down into the drink! I'm sure there was no request from anyone for the bridge to be rebuilt so what's the story behind it?

victor dimech

Feb 13th 2009, 19:15

Maltese gemgem as usual.

v.vella

Feb 13th 2009, 19:00

I can't wait for the bridge to be built. I always wanted to watch the waves from up close during a Grigalata!

Cedric Mizzi

Feb 13th 2009, 18:25

I agree with this project nice for taking picks But I would be better if we fix the ROADS & PAVEMENTS in Bugibba and other Tourist areas with all this money. Another thing is for all those who say who should pay for these is, that we were given the money from the War Damage years ago but the money given in those days are now peanuts for the cost to fix them today.

v.pulis

Feb 13th 2009, 18:24

The picture seems to be inverted (right to left) as that view can never be seen from below St. Elmo. Now if the bridge was on the other side below Ricasoli.......

MARK MIFSUD BONNICI

Feb 13th 2009, 17:31

Though this is commendable, surely the money for this project could have been directed to the reconstruction of the Marsalforn breakwater. The large waves entering this beach are causing havoc apart from the uncontrolled erosion of its pebbled beach.

gxuereb

Feb 13th 2009, 17:08

Progetti bla bzonn biex jahlu flus il-poplu u jaljenawh mill-problemi li ghandu ma' wiccu.! Bl-istess ammont ta' finanzi Gvern Laburista kien ghamel it-toroq ta' Bugibba kollha fi zmien tliet xhur...................... u GonziPN l-anqas ghadu sab irkaptu tal-hofor fit-toroq !! MIN IWIEGHED U MA' JWETTAQX MA' TISTAX TAFDAH

lgalea

Feb 13th 2009, 16:35

Nyal Xuereb
The Italians should pay for it because they destroyed it.
As for the cost, why were the Shipyards not commissioned to do it Agostino Pio.

K. Serracino

Feb 13th 2009, 15:59

Well done, great initiative that is how the Grand Harbour can be revitalized again.

Next project; please remove those huts from that area. This is a real eyesore especially now when having cruise ships entering/departing from this part of the port.

Charles Sammut

Feb 13th 2009, 15:47

Whatever for? So that daredevils can go diving off the breakwater? I know that it happens sometimes but this will make it so much easier to risk life and limb. If it is going to be closed to the public, then what's the point. Use the funds to repair some roads as others have said.

F. Abela

Feb 13th 2009, 15:30

The moaners are at it again. I fully agree with S. Spiteri. Why oh why whenever government comes up with a project the usual people write in bringing in other countries on the issue. I suppose these are the people who would prefer to leave Malta in the dark ages, not do anything to improve the island so they have more reason to moan. Other countries are always doing their best to improve and come up with new ideas and projects to make their country even better but it seems that these little people just want to stagnate. Are they tired of life or just venting their frustrations ?

John Zammit

Feb 13th 2009, 14:33

Coming so soon on the heels of the scrapping of the San Gwann project I guess that this is another attempt by the government to keep the people distracted from the real issues of the current situation. In any case are the Italians footing the bill since the original bridge was destroyed by their e-boats?

Paul Barrett

Feb 13th 2009, 14:27

If a bridge is really vital (having done without it for 60 odd years), then a rope bridge would be cheaper and more easily replaceable.
Value for money it does seem like an unnecessary expense which I would have thought the Maritime Authority could have used more productively - to generate more income perhaps with marina upgrades.

J Farrugia

Feb 13th 2009, 14:26

That is what I ask, what is really the purpose of this stupid bridge? Let it remain as it is. adn those 2.8 million euros be spent on Mater Dei Hospital or on medicines.

Stephen Spiteri

Feb 13th 2009, 14:02

Let's all wait for FAA (Flimkien ghal-Astrid Ahjar) to condone the project, get some support from disgrutnled backbenchers, wait for wonder boy PL leader to jump aboard, and see the project grounded too.

m. meli

Feb 13th 2009, 13:48

WoW!!! a 2.8 million euro bridge!!!! and only for a couple of metres! does it talk?? lol. imagine building a bridge to gozo!!! how much will that cost hahaha

Nyal Xuereb

Feb 13th 2009, 13:45

If the MMA has funds to use, cannot it get a proper breakwater built in Xemxija bay and sort out the mess of buoys, especially the unregistered ones?

Nyal Xuereb

Feb 13th 2009, 13:43

If the Germans destroyed it, why not ask them to pay for it? And while the're at it they can psy for the Opera House as well. :)

dusty williams

Feb 13th 2009, 13:38

I bet you Austin!

THAT YOURE PULLING OUR LEGS! ha haaaaaaaa

R.Lapira

Feb 13th 2009, 13:33

When something fall under the responsability of Dr.Austin Gatt are always in time Mr Mifsud Farrugia.
However many thanks for the Prime Minister Dr. Lawrence Gonzi and The Minister Dr.Austin Gatt.

Tony Caruana

Feb 13th 2009, 13:26

What For ? Surley 2.8 million could be spent on the disatrous roads thet we have ? Where is our sense of priorities ?

One cant help but wonder who will get this project. Another Blue Eyed Boy no doubt ?

PAUL BUSUTTIL

Feb 13th 2009, 13:21

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS BRIDGE ?

MICHAEL ZAMMIT

Feb 13th 2009, 13:16

WHY NOT LET MALTA SHIPYARDS DO THE JOB OR EX WORKERS THAT ARE STILL ON GOVERMENT BOOKS.
I THINK SHIPYARD WORKERS ARE MORE SIUTABLE CAUSE THEY KNOW HOW TO DO THESE TYPE OF JOBS

KM Vella

Feb 13th 2009, 13:01

Why not commission Renzo Piano as well while he's already at it?

Tony Griscti

Feb 13th 2009, 12:52

Altough this is a good idea to re-built the bridge, don't you think that the priority of the government is goin haywire....The 2.5 million should be spent to continue repairing our roads and built new ones (build the bridge next year).

Geoffrey Mifsud Farrugia

Feb 13th 2009, 12:52

About time!

Bernard Mamo

Feb 13th 2009, 12:44

that's VERY nice to hear. will the breakwater be open to public though? and also... €2.8m ouch! expensive!!