The second phase of embellishment works at Marsaxlokk would be ready on Friday, two weeks ahead of schedule, Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino said yesterday.

This phase covers work on the 500-metre promenade up to the square and forms part of the €2 million project that includes setting up a national park near the fort at Delimara.

Works on the rest of the project would start after next week's Marsaxlokk feast and everything should be ready before Christmas, Mr Pullicino said during a visit to the site.

The timing of the works was criticised by the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association for its "bad planning" since, two months after works on the second phase, the fish market, usually buzzing with activity, was silenced by drilling and digging.

When questioned about this, Mr Pullicino said the timing was based on the physical need to carry out works when the weather permitted. He said the important thing was that timeframes were strictly adhered to. "We have managed to stick to plan here," he said.

Mr Pullicino, who was accompanied by Parliamentary Assistant Franco Debono, thanked the workers who did not have the luxury to be working in an air-conditioned environment.

A small group of hawkers approached the minister during the walkabout asking for a guarantee that they would be able to resume setting up their stalls in their usual place.

One frustrated hawker said: "We have been patient with our temporary location but we need to be sure the works will be ready for us to move in within two months."

Another hawker said business had dipped heavily due to their makeshift location, in the area known as Il-Magħluq, situated close to the parking lot. He said many tourists did not even approach the stalls as they sought the centre of the town.

During the walkabout, Mr Pullicino discussed the pristine embellishment works being carried out, including promenade paving, drainage works and lighting, among others. He said the works were carefully planned to create a walking place without interfering with the needs of fishermen.

The first phase of the project started last October and included works on the residential side of the promenade, where new water and sewage services were installed. The second phase started in May and continued with reinstatement and embellishment works on the promenade.

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