Over the next few weeks we could be witnessing two remarkable events in Malta, one of which is a consequence of a public transport decision gone somewhat wrong, while the other will have a positive consequence on motoring.
We are all aware that we are currently living an unprecedented political crisis which stemmed from a decision to wipe out the old public transport system and to introduce the Arriva bus service – amid much criticism which seems to have disappeared in the same way the‘yellow’ buses have.
The other more relevant event to happen over the next few weeks is the launch of a major flood relief project.
As incredible as this may sound, the flood relief project would cover all the major areas around Malta that are prone to flooding – such as Msida, Birkirkara, Gzira, San Ġwann, Zabbar and Marsascala, among others.
Thanks to the EU, the €56 million project will be completed by 2015.
The project will include the construction of various tunnels that will redirect rainwater away from the roads into the sea, although it was said that some of this water would be collected in reservoirs for further use.
The largest of these tunnels will run for 11 kilometres beneath Balzan, Birkirkara and Msida.
No longer will we see Youtube uploads and pictures on front pages of newspapers of empty coffins floating down Birkirkara and of cars half-immersed in water in Valley Road, Birkirkara.
The project will also hopefully bring to an end the chaos reigning around these flood-prone areas at the first drop of rain and thedangerous situations drivers find themselves in.
Although hard to believe we will finally be able to drive through Msida in the worst rainfall without the need for roadside assistance, I sing hallelulia to the government and the EU for this initiative.
I also feel obliged to sing my praises to Transport Malta for finally resurfacing the Regional Road bridge after work on the construction of new side-barriers was completed some weeks ago, the timing of which was the cause of a few altercations between The Sunday Times Motoring and Transport Malta.
No longer do my low-profile tyres and, more so, my ageing back screech as I drive over the bridge’s movement joints every day on my way back from work.
Although not the smoothest of resurfacing jobs, the work along the stretch of the bridge leading to Paceville has been completed with road markings and all.
This was done, as had been suggested in an editorial a few months ago, during night time, causing practically no inconvenience to road users and having the least negative impact on traffic.
This mainly proves two things:the first is that Transport Malta takes heed of suggestions putforward, and secondly that it is possible to carry out road works at night time.
While praising Transport Malta for this initiative, I somehow fail to understand why the opposing stretch of bridge is still without road markings and why Transport Malta has to put up a sign to point it out.
Temporary signs which were put up months ago before works started are also half-covered with black bags and need sorting out.
It is good to see that efforts are being made all-round to make our roads safer, especially when confronted by data on traffic accidents released recently by the National Statistics Office.
Despite the measures being taken to provide a safe motoring experience, speed cameras and all, four men lost their lives (three drivers and one pedestrian) in traffic accidents between October and December last year.
The data also reveals that 3,482 traffic accidents were reported within this period, an increase of 185 cases over the same time in 2010.
A total of 368 casualties were reported, 237 involving drivers. Another 31 people suffered serious injuries, while 99 were slightlyinjured.
Throughout 2011 there were 14,264 recorded accidents, an increase of 3.9 per cent over 2010. That adds up to 1.6 potential fatal accidents every hour, something worth keeping in mind when we are behind the wheel.
I appeal to all of you to drive carefully and use your common sense on the road.
motoring@timesofmalta.com