Labour yesterday added its voice to complaints by the business sector over construction works in a number of tourist spots at the height of summer.

Embellishment works are in progress on the Marsaxlokk promenade, new paving is being laid in some of Valletta's streets and the road to Xlendi is being resurfaced.

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association and the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises - GRTU earlier this week said the works were keeping tourists away from these towns and causing "tremendous" losses for businesses there. The Labour Party said yesterday the situation clearly demonstrated that there had been no serious consultation with stakeholders before the projects were undertaken. This, it added, showed the government's lack of appreciation for the difficulties faced by business owners, apart from the bad impression given to tourists.

Charles Buhagiar, Labour spokesman for infrastructure and public work, said: "Although the importance of such projects is understandable, it is essential that they are planned in such a way that they leave a minimal impact on businesses while at the same time being implemented efficiently."

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