The works starting today at the Cirkewwa ferry terminal are of a temporary nature and are aimed at providing alternative and improved operational facilities in a new location during the building of the terminal, Malta Transport said.

The works include trenching and underground infrastructural works and services, roads, pavements and kerbs alteration works, line markings, barriers and signage, the provision of drainage facilities, mechanical and electrical works, and the rental of temporary passenger handling structure. There will also be a temporary police station and temporary public conveniences.

These temporary works should be completed by June.

A spokesman told timesofmalta.com that since the existing facilities at Cirkewwa were to be demolished as part of the project, the intention was to provide alternative facilities in one place which would not be changed until the project was completed in 2012.

Mepa issued a development permit for the building of the new terminal in December.