Roadworks killed my business, Żurrieq tyre repairer claims

The owner of a tyre repair workshop filed a judicial protest against Transport Minister Austin Gatt claiming that ongoing roadworks in Żurrieq disrupted his business.

Jesmond Belli, the owner of JB Tyre Service, is demanding compensation, accusing the government of removing his family's sole source of income by closing off Valletta Road, in Żurrieq indefinitely.

The protest was filed in the First Hall of the Civil Court against Dr Gatt and Transport Malta chairman Mark Portelli.

In January, Transport Malta started rebuilding Valletta Road, which had been described by Dr Gatt as "one of Malta's worst roads". The €4.4 million project is expected to be ready by August.

Mr Belli said the works had caused his business to slow down in January because access was restricted. When the road was closed off completely in March he could not run his garage in any way because his clients could not drive into the premises for repairs.

Thus, Mr Belli called on the court to hold the authorities responsible for the damages he sustained and would incur.

The authorities' action was illegal and abusive and breached his fundamental civil rights, he insisted.

Lawyers Pawlu Lia and Phyllis Aquilina signed the protest.