12 bids for breakwater bridge rebuilding

Anthony Pace Gouder

Feb 10th 2010, 12:15

Whoever designed this bridge , has FAILED miserably on these points :-

1) the Cost effective principle . A single span definately increases both material and construction cost .

2) omitting the island Columns re-habilitation.

3) the surviving single column left free standing , purposeless, but as a perpetual War Relic for 120 years to come (?) , when this was the Original Bridge's most important (main player) structural Element . Its like leaving the Prima Donna out of the Opera , or a football team playing without a center forward or a goalkeeper !

4) the Aesthetic Value thus produced , in my opinion is nonsensical !


http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090214/local/grand-harbour-breakwater-bridge-to-be-reconstructed

Anthony Pace Gouder

Feb 10th 2010, 03:47

@Gerald Cassar
You surely must have mis-read or misinterpreted my write-up , as I never said that there are'nt capable Structural Engineers , in fact I myself have worked with quite a few . The structures I mentioned in fact also prove this .

Apart from this , I have made a quick calculation on the Construction Cost estimated at 2.8 million euro. The clear span is just under 70 meters , therfore the cost per meter run works out at euro 40,000 (LM 17,000 / m run) FORTY THOUSAND EURO PER METER RUN .

Assuming a beam of 4 meters , gives 280 sq. m = euro 10,000 (LM4,300) per square meter . This rate is out of all proportions ! ......and then we are led to believe the planners were scrupulous and resorted to a simpler design to save on cost , on a dead-end bridge?
No wonder there are 12 bidders !

I would expect some competent experienced Engineer or a Qualified Quantity Surveyor to enlighten us how this estimate was calculated . Mhux hadd ma jghid xejn !

Contrary the Barrakka - Lascaris lift is essential and should have taken priority .

Gerard Cassar

Feb 9th 2010, 15:54

Is Pace Gouder sure there are no capable structural engineers on the island. I think he is not up to date with the list of Maltese structural engineers. Yes our University does not train students for such jobs but overseas universities are able to train Maltese . Probably such engineers do not go up on a tower and like a muezzin start to praise their abilities. They just have the ability it is for others to look for them.

Anthony Pace Gouder

Feb 8th 2010, 21:16

In Malta Structural Steel Construction Projects are hard to come by . I'm wrecking my brain to find out if anything close to this steel bridge was ever constructed . The largest steelwork construction is definately the National Stadium Canopy , build by the Malta Drydocks workers . Incidentally a New Pedestrian Bridge in steelwork has been built recently spanning from the Carpark to the VIP Mainstand Lobby . Another structure is the Haunched fly-over Road on the Sta. Vennera By-pass . Mostly steelwork is associated with truss roofing in factories , warehouses and sports pavilions as at Savio College Dingli . So having 12 Bidders for such a specialized job is quite amazing .

The seven week extension could mean that foreign international Companies are being involved or consulted .
It is a lame excuse to denounce the original bridge built by the ROYAL ENGINEERS , as it had too much steel . The FACT is that it was obviously designed and built to withstand bombing , hence WAR SPECIFICATIONS were applied . This resulted that with the torpedo explosion , the span of the bridge collapsed in one entity , resulting in a total blockage of that seaway.

Angus Mac Kinnon

Feb 8th 2010, 19:52

I think most Maltese citizens are appreciative and hold dear their heritage, and rightly so as their history and culture is one of the most fascinating in all Europe. The ongoing concern in respect to iconic sites such as St. Angela and Fort Delimara, and the good work that has already achieved in preserving other sites, is proof enough of this fact. For a small nation with limited resources, the extent of these achivements is truly commendable. However, in this instance I think the concept and related expenditure, as well as inevitable subsequent maintenance costs, of a replacement bridge at the Breakwater is not sensible. Remember this is a new replacement, not a restoration. Had it been the repair and restoration of a, aesthetically pleasing and useful stone construction I would perhaps see it differently. I would share the view of those advocating that the three million Euros would be more gainfully employed on numerous other projects of benefit. Not being mischievous, but M. Tabone got another point in before me - if the bridge has to go ahead, it would be a nice gesture if the Italian Government offered to meet the costs, or even did the construction.

James Grech

Feb 8th 2010, 18:57

@C Cassar you fail to understand my point, most probably you did not go through all my comment, which was referring to a wider context. While I tend to agree that sometimes we are rather reactive (very slow at that as well) more then proactive, Gov. should set the pace, BUT, and this is a very important BUT, it must have its priorities right. Sure there is nothing wrong with rebuilding that bridge (if there is still scope for it, that is), but should Gov. spend 2.8ME NOW, when we are being heavily taxed with utility bills, high food and medicine prices, a serious lack in the healthcare services, and more? Should Gov. embark NOW on a project to rebuilt (or better still demolish) city gate and build a new parliament (what's the use of this new spree, many still fail to understand)? That is what is irking many ppl, Mr Cassar, not the fact that things are being done, but the order in which they are being done is chaotic, to say the least. Maybe there are other hidden issues underlying such spending sprees...

C Cassar

Feb 8th 2010, 18:30

@ James Grech: I quote you: "it is the Gov. that needs to think for our future." You see you prove my point exactly. Everything is the responsibility of the government and the locals don't need to lift a finger. It's the people of Malta that need to think of the future instead of only thinking day by day and only for themselves as they do now. For example, how many times do I see locals walking past some rubbish lying on the pavement within metres of a bin? Last time I picked some rubbish up and put it into a bin I was asked why I was doing this and was told that "it's the job of the council, leave it" - quite an unbelievable reply. It's so easy to make change very quickly by doing something yourself which unfortunately is a totally alien concept to the majority of Maltese who are happier to moan about the lethargy that they have created themselves. Here we have something that will attract locals and tourists alike because it is something different and yet the majority on here moan because it won't put any euros directly in their pocket.

David Gauci

Feb 8th 2010, 18:06

@Dylan Olliver "Walking along this breakwater is marvellous". As far as I know, walking along the breakwater would not be possible. The 'walk' is to be up to the end of the bridge.

Gerard Cassar

Feb 8th 2010, 16:43

When the breakwater could be reached going over the bridge, many a family used to be seen going walking over it. School children used to go and be shown how the lights function. It was mostly gone over by families. When some large ship came in or went out of the harbour the breakwater would be jammed with sightseeing people. How would it look now that big ships come and go. Photographers will have a place from where to point their camera. Surely when built many will take a stroll that is different from anything we know. Yes it cost, though not so much as one could imagine, remember that the iron has to be worked to the design and this says a lot. It could be a state of the art not just a pssage way. Illuminated at night it will ensure a sight not ever seen in Malta particularly if tourist are on board the ship. It might even be an attraction passing through the breakwaters. Has anyone seen a photo of the bridge at Brazilia illuminated at night. It is availabe on the internet that I have just seen going through briges on the internet.

wally vella-zarb

Feb 8th 2010, 15:37

One is reminded of a song from the musical 'Fiddler on the Roof'. Topol, the lead actor, is daydreaming about all the things that he would like to build, including "a stairway leading nowhere, just for show" - BUT ONLY, he goes on to sing, "IF, I were a wealthy man!"

Michael Mifsud

Feb 8th 2010, 15:18

Has anybody considered that all private craft (sailing) and pleasure cruise boats will now be using the same harbour entry as the main fairway used by commercial craft. Has the MT (ex MMA) been consulted, and perhaps the pleasure cruise operators?

Julian Esposito

Feb 8th 2010, 15:12

Also one more thing: €2.8 million! Seems a bit too much for a steel space frame!

Charles

Feb 8th 2010, 15:08

Just to let everyone know according to tender document, the bridge will be close to the public, so what is the its use?
Imagine if there is an accident that blocks the entrance to the main port, where will our boats pass from to enter the port? Will they pass under the bridge?

victor pulis

Feb 8th 2010, 14:50

@ M gauci
What PL bloggers(sic) are you referring to? Why can't you understand that criticising the building of the bridge has got nothing to do with whoever is proposing it. I for one have been writing about fort St. Angelo since the early eighties when it was under attack from the then MLP government. Before being red or blue or purple with yellow dots I am Maltese who loves my heritage, culture and history which also happen to be yours I presume. Yes, in this case the govenment has his prorities wrong. When and if the authorities start serious work on St. Angelo I shall be the first to applaude it. I have no problem to give credit where it is due.

James Grech

Feb 8th 2010, 13:55

@C. Cassar
it is the Gov. that needs to think for our future. However it is failing miserably. You are of the opinion that building a bridge for the value of 2.8ME allows us to look at the broader picture and thus we will enabling for a better future. Do you know how many shabby ideas like this one has contemplated by this Gov? the list is infinite..Take for e.g. the maintenance work being done on the Zurrieq road. It has been shelved for so many years, and it is only now that Gov. decided to do this work.
Though Gov should be on the forefront to ensure a better future, it is turning in circles, contradicting itself all the way round. Do you remember what was said about the Delimara extension? Mainly that it should run on Gas, cause it's the most feasible and most environment friendly. This Gov., is planning so much for our future, that it opted to go for the least env. friendly solution. What about the black-dust problem? 10yrs down the line and still not a clue. Consider Mepa. Do you think that this entity is taking decisions to safeguard our future Mr. Cassar?

C Cassar

Feb 8th 2010, 13:20

When will the Maltese change their attitude of thinking only about today and living day to day to actually thinking/investing in the future? All of these projects enhance the islands. Just because it doesn't benefit you directly by making you a few Euros doesn't mean it has no significance.

On a similar note, let me introduse an important new word to the Maltese - MAINTENANCE. It's about time that the locals actually realised that when something is refurbished/built from new it has a requirement to be maintained. Normaly this means a larger investment than the initial building/renovation cost spread over many years in order to maintain the original investment.

So many things in Malta are left to ruin because of the "well, it still works, what's the problem?" attitude. Wake up, Malta isn't a poor African state that is only concerned with survival and continually patching things up. It's a European country that is a wealthy one but often a very individualistic and selfish one.

Think about the bigger picture for a change, not just your own individual pockets and what you will have for dinner this evening.

Tony Berkeley

Feb 8th 2010, 13:15

I cannot understand how a RESTORATION of the bridge can be achieved
by "providing a simpler design". Restoration means restoring something to
its former state. Failure to do this does not really qualify for the priority of
the investment being made. A second point is that unless the construction
is to be made of some special non-corrosive material it is hard to believe
that the new construction will be guaranteed for 120 years. A third point if
I may is that a project of restoring the Lascaris lift to the upper Barraka would
have been a project that provides a better value for the outlay and tourist
industry.

m.gauci

Feb 8th 2010, 13:08

Can these PL bloggers write out their moans and groans in L-orrizont or it-Torca ; or are these newspapers extinct ?

Roger Attard

Feb 8th 2010, 13:02

@dillan olliver,ma tahsibx li tonfoq dawk il-flus huma hala meta l-pajjiz ghaddej minn tant difficultajiet bhal : ' waiting list ' twila fl-isptar, medicini 'out of stock ' u gholi tal-hajja bla razan. Nahseb li hawn postijiet fejn tkun tista tmur taghmel passiggata.

John Micallef

Feb 8th 2010, 13:01

@ Alfred zammit & manuel cassar.
What's the use of a person that is spending money to have a nice face & body, but at the same time this person person has a malicious tumor inside that does not want to treath.

Can someone spot me the difference pls?

H DEMPSTER

Feb 8th 2010, 12:54

Why Build a bridge to join the mainland to the break water, it is of no use, since it is illegal to walk on the break water.> One may remeber that 2 well known singers , singing on the break water a few years ago nearly got arrested for walking on it. Havnt we wasted enough Money on useless projects?

victor pulis

Feb 8th 2010, 12:34

Let us build the bridge by all means but only after taking care of more important projects like the restoration of St. Angelo. Besides being in greater and more urgent need of repair the fort will generate an income from visitors if one is looking at financial gain. Besides, the fort is located in grand harbour so it will help regenerate the area. before someone writes in and comments that repairs have started on the fort I am not taken in by the cosmetic restoration of the bell cote as this is just a show.

J Farrugia

Feb 8th 2010, 12:18

For me, while appreciating that what was destroyed in WWII is being rebuilt, cannot fathom the idea of building THIS bridge to nowhere!!! It's just a waste of money for miself.

P. Schembri

Feb 8th 2010, 12:17

This bridge leading to nowhere can wait. As it has no purpose. There are other priorities to attend to. Let's get our priorities right and spend the money where needed. When the time is ripe, and the present problems solved, then this bridge can be rebuilt. But please, priorities first!

James Grech

Feb 8th 2010, 12:11

The main problem with this government is credibility. Its arguments are so contradictory that only blindfolded PN supporters continue to complement its attitude and behaviour. So we are in dire straits and what does Gov do. It rebuilds for a heft sum of money a bridge to nowhere. Great!!. Though this bridge needs attention, let us be reminded that it has been in this state for almost half a century..so I ask why now? why is it that important that we rebuilt it during this time of crises? This Gov. fails to understand what Malta's priorities are, when faced with the issue, Dr. Gonzi reiterates, "our priority is to safeguard and create jobs"....yeah the rebuilding of this bridge is definitely a solution...this is synonymous to the rebuilding of Valletta's gate and adjacent parliament. One day Dr. Gonzi decides that his city gate needs rebuilding..so he engages an architect that actually totally removes the gate...it is also decided that rebuilding the old theatre is not feasible..so the solution...convert it into a roofless entity..great!!! It has been like that for so long that any changes as per piano's plan will not be noticed, let alone appreciated.

alfred zammit

Feb 8th 2010, 11:39

Mr. Pace.,this Government has vision and wants Malta and Gozo to regain the old glory it had and is succeeding in doing this by regenerating and rebuilding all our historic buildings etc unlike labour whose only thoughts were to save money by bulk buying,transferring historical places in their name and letting them go into ruins,The Pembroke hall is just one of the examples.If the present government is bankrupt and still manages to do these things imagine what else they can do if they have the money?As regards to Mid med bank etc the introduction of HSBC started the wheel turning again.Would you rather go back to the communist state Malta was in during the labour reign?

C. Busuttil

Feb 8th 2010, 11:38

@ Joe Borg
This bridge will lead from near the breakwater to near the breakwater.

maquilina

Feb 8th 2010, 11:38

This bridge will lead to one of the most fantastic views of Valletta and the two ports of Marsamxett and Grand Harbour. With a little imagination I am certain that one may possibly comprehend the sense of the bridge. This re-installation brings to mind several literary memories one of which is by the late Kilin, when he makes reference to racing in their break time along the whole length of the breakwater with his collegues of il-Liceo. Regarding the lost original pillar I have been told by divers in the area that until not so long ago it was still to be seen rolling on the seabed.

Manuel Cassar

Feb 8th 2010, 11:32

It seems that some people only know how to grumble. For once try to appreciate projects intended to make Malta, and in this case Valletta, more beautiful. Furthermore the bridge was never intended to lead to anywhere when it was built 100 years ago. After 65 years of grumbling, the government has finally made the decision to restore two major scars from World War II by rebuilding the bridge and redesigning Freedom Square and what do we get? Even more grumbling!

Graham Waterfield

Feb 8th 2010, 11:29

As previously commented, A bridge to nowhere ..
But WHAT ABOUT MARSALFORN ???

At least the breakwater repairs there would serve a useful purpose ?????

Lewis Ellul

Feb 8th 2010, 11:26

And yet another dream of our gonzo man?! Making such useless bridges is NOT a priority at the present time Dr Gonzi. If you, your cabinet and your party does not realise that, then you are completely out of touch with reality. Take my advice and first start building bridges with the people by investing more money in their welfare, in their health, in creating real jobs, in improving the environment, in education, in lessening the impact of exaggerated W & E bills etc etc etc. The LAST THING people want is a breakwater bridge that leads to nowhere or a tennis court at Valletta's entrance.

Anthony Pace Gouder

Feb 8th 2010, 11:21

Besides the extravagant cost , the bridge has no resemblance to the original .

What about the TWIN missing column , which the project is DELIBERATELY ommiting , exposing an un-professional concept . The Columns are an integral part of this design .

This "Coat Hanger" is aesthetically incorrect .This single span renders the island column USELESS , ! Logically , the column/s is/are either retained as a supporting element or in this case removed completely .

Can't you do anything right !

M. Tabone

Feb 8th 2010, 11:11

The Italians should have paid for this bridge and not us......

Franco Farrugia

Feb 8th 2010, 11:02

Even I, in my ignorance, wish to ask the authorities to explain to us, lessr mortals, what is the added value of such a project!!!!!

John Micallef

Feb 8th 2010, 10:57

@ Lawrence Schembri.
The shame is that 99% with the remaining steal in stock at the Malta Drydocks stores we can get this bridge extended to Gozo.

I see this government like a 16yr old son, that he want one thing after the other (this one is after pjazza san gorg, if Dubai spent so much to augurate every such fountain, in Dubai they will have another 5 yrs of such celebrations) & does not realise that he does not have money & his family is sufferring.

It's a shame my government i have to tell you this after 25yrs in power: GROW UP, & EVALUATE MALTA's NEEDS IN THE PROPER WAY!!

The church is always warning us that we turned into a very consumist society, our GONZIPN is a typical example!

A. Baldacchino

Feb 8th 2010, 10:52

Let's build the bridge by all means, because this was an integral part of the breakwater. But it is to be kept in mind that the bridge would need constant upkeeping.

Julian Esposito

Feb 8th 2010, 10:43

Just an unrealistic idea: Imagine, wouldn't it be nice if there were a functional bridge or better still a tunnel across the Grand Harbour connecting to the new Smart City roads. It might even connect to Tigne! One could for example get from Zabbar to downtown Sliema in 5 minutes. Do not take this comment too seriously. I doubt it would be ever financially viable. Off to another hour in Marsa traffic.

dylan olliver

Feb 8th 2010, 10:32

I totally disagree with all the comments that are against this project. I think this is an excellent idea. Walking along this breakwater is marvellous

M. Zammit

Feb 8th 2010, 10:25

May I ask what we need this bridge for? I guess we need a government to people bridge far more!

george Pace

Feb 8th 2010, 10:19

Do we really need this bridge now ? Is this bankrupt Govt so irresponsible to throw our taxpayers money into thin air over and over again ! The Valletta Piano Project, the sadistic deal of the Buses license re purchase at a crazy price, the rampant health costs, throwing away Mid Med bank, unemployment, tourist trade tottering on collapse etc etc. And now the Breakwater Bridge expense. The Government is doing its utmost to lose the next election with guaranteed success.

laurence schembri

Feb 8th 2010, 09:56

What a waste. The Dockyard could have rebuilt this bridge for half the money, had someone in government used his common sense.

Joe Borg

Feb 8th 2010, 09:50

Just to refresh my memory, where does this bridge lead to?

P. Schembri

Feb 8th 2010, 09:45

Another money down the drain project for a bridge leading to nowhere.