Where is the promised bridge?

Four years after the death of two teenage girls, run over while crossing the Mrieħel bypass, their angered relatives are asking what has happened to a promised overpass, of which there is no sign despite a planning permit having been issued several months ago.

"It doesn't take four years to build a bridge. That road is very dangerous... There was a lot of talk at the time but nothing was done, in great disregard for people and safety. In Malta we are very good at closing the stable door once the horse has bolted," said David Housley whose 17-year-old daughter, Emma, died in the accident.

The sentiment was shared by Lucinda Fenech, the sister of 13-year-old Graziella, who was the second victim of the accident in August 2005.

"They haven't built the bridge yet despite the fact that a lot of accidents have happened on the bypass. They have forgotten all about us. It's as if we are living alone, on an island," she said.

The two families have homes in Tal-Blat 2 residential zone, near the Qormi industrial estate.

Before the bypass was built there was a road connecting the zone to Qormi proper on the other side but the major thoroughfare has now cut them off from the town. As things stand they have to take an impractical detour to reach the centre of Qormi on foot. Soon after the accident, which had caused an outcry, speed cameras were installed along the bypass as well as signs telling drivers to watch their speed.

In reply to a parliamentary question in 2006, former Roads Minister Jesmond Mugliette had said a steel footbridge was to be completed in August 2007.

The structure, however, never materialised. The Times has now learnt that a permit for the bridge was issued seven months ago. This was confirmed by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority who said the application was filed by the transport authority in September 2006 and permission granted last April. Questions were sent to the transport authority early yesterday afternoon asking why the process had taken so long and why work had not yet started despite the permit, however, no response was forthcoming by the time of going to print.

The truth is, say the relatives, cars are still a menace because many tend to speed up again as soon as they are at a safe distance from the speed cameras. Like many, including the Qormi mayor, Mr Housley and Ms Fenech were unaware that the permit for the construction of the overpass had been granted in April.

Mayor Jesmond Aquilina said he had not been informed about it even through the local council had lobbied hard for the footbridge. "Let's just hope that it will now be built," he said.

He called on the authorities to find a solution to the situation that was proven to be dangerous by the death of the two teenagers. The girls were crossing the Mrieħel bypass on August 21, 2005, when they were run over by Ivan Cutajar, who was 23 years old at the time.

On Thursday he was found guilty of causing the girls' death by not keeping "a proper look out" and exceeding the speed limit. He was given a two-year jail term suspended for four years and a €4,000 fine. The judgment angered the girls' relatives who criticised it as too lenient.