Works in St Paul’s Bay area

I refer to the letters by Oliver Mallia (After Two Very Long Years Of Waiting, October 14), and Reuben Chircop (Derelict And Dangerous, October 21).

The project being referred to is, primarily, the upgrading of the promenade at St Paul’s Bay, which initiative is part of the EU-funded project ERDF 033.

This project involves the upgrading of the promenade including surfaces, lighting, seating and services and the construction of an overhanging belvedere at the area known as Il-Qala tal-Għażżenin.

In this respect the tendering process, including appeals, has now been satisfactorily completed and the contract for the works has been signed with the contractor selected. To this end, the contractor has already begun surveying the balcony area and has applied for road permits accordingly so as to commence works. It is anticipated that works on the site will start within the next two to three weeks.

Moreover, one should also bear in mind that the Malta Tourist Authority is successfully managing a beach in the St Paul’s Bay area (perched beach, Buġibba), which beach was awarded international Blue Flag status this year.

Furthermore, the MTA had also commissioned a number of embellishment and upgrading works before summer in the Qawra point area, improving access for bathers and divers and enhancing the facilities overall.

A significant amount of maintenance work was also carried out this year in the whole St Paul’s Bay area, Qawra and Buġibba.

This work included, but was not restricted to, the resurfacing of various streets and roads by the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs, the local council and Transport Malta (ADT).