Second phase of Marsaxlokk project nearing completion

The second phase of embellishment works at Marsaxlokk comes to an end on Friday, Resources Minister George Pullicino said this morning during a visit.

The €2 million project along the 500-metre promenade was embarked upon last October and its second phase was started last May. Works included paving, lighting and road improvements.

The third phase will be embarked upon after the village festa, being celebrated on August 1, and a national park, next to the Delimara Fortress, is also planned.

The works have been heavily criticised by Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association because of the drop in business during the summer period for the hotels and restaurants.

Hawkers had to be moved to il-Maghluq and a deep drilling noise yesterday replace the buzzing sound of activity.

Two hawkers approached the minister requesting a guarantee that they would be able to return to their old spot within two months.

One said that tourists sought the centre of the village and their sales were down.

Mr Pullicino, who was accompanied by parliamentary assistant Franco Debono, thanked workers, who he said, did not have the luxury to be working in an air conditioned environment.