The project to upgrade the Kappara junction has cost taxpayers an extra €2 million, to cover the expropriation of various tracts of land and property, The Sunday Times of Malta has learnt.

Figures seen by this newspaper show that the amount was spent not only on land at the site of the project itself but also on stretches needed to make alternative routes safer and smoother for drivers.

According to a list obtained through the Land Department, which was responsible for the expropriation deals, more than 15 properties – small areas, a restaurant and an entire house – had to be expropriated.

The upgrade of the Kappara junction, a major bottleneck for the 90,000 cars that pass through it every day, has been on the cards for several years. It will involve the construction of a flyover and cost €22.4 million, mainly funded by the EU.

Works started in April, but the preparatory work had been going on for several months. This included negotiations with the owners of several properties that needed to be taken over before the new roads could get the final green light.

A big chunk of the €2 million was spent on the expropriation of a landmark building, the Cottage restaurant on Mikiel Anton Vassalli road, corner with Sliema Road, in Gżira, familiar to all drivers heading to work along that route in the morning.

Two lanes remain open in both directions as works continue on the project.

The government paid nearly €300,000 for a 210m2 house which was expropriated in Gżira, while barren land in the area brought in €280,000 for its owners

The restaurant owners received a handsome €835,000 for their property, which measured 335 square metres. The place had always been earmarked for inclusion in the Kappara junction upgrade plans.

The owners of another stretch of land, which was needed to make way for one of the slip roads, were given €371,000 for an area of 637 square metres. Owners of smaller pieces of land, measuring 15, 44 and 47 square metres, received €9,000, €30,000 and €27,400, respectively.

The government also forked out nearly €300,000 in compensation for a house covering 210 square metres which was expropriated in Gżira, while a piece of barren land in the area brought in the sum of €280,000 for its owners.

Some land needed to be expropriated for traffic diversions being used during the works, particularly in San Ġwann and the valley linking San Ġwann and Swieqi.

These expropriations included areas of 568 square metres, 85 square metres and 42 square metres. The valuations were still being calculated when the information was requested by this newspaper, and the President’s seal of approval was still missing.

Transport Minister Joe Mizzi told a public consultation meeting recently that the resurfacing of the roads which are being used as alternative routes cost €3 million.

The ground is being readied for the 14 concrete pillars that will hold up the flyover.

The project in numbers

1.2 kilometres in length
193 metres of overpass
14 columns to hold up overpass
5 metres of headway
90,000 cars pass through daily
6,000 vehicles during peak hours