Roadworks are being staggered to limit the inconvenience on drivers but this could not come at the cost of losing out on EU funds, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said yesterday.

He said the project to upgrade the busy Kappara junction was “a priority” for the government. However, the plans were to complete the Coast Road upgrade before venturing into another major infrastructural project.

Speaking during an interview on the party’s One Radio, Dr Muscat said EU funds have a specific time window by when they must be used, and the government could not keep postponing this project because of possible inconveniences, at the cost of losing the funds.

“I understand people’s complaints on traffic problems. When I attend official visits, I make sure I am not escorted so that I experience what people are experiencing every day.”

One of the solutions was to provide a better public transport service, Dr Muscat said, adding that the government had to do more to explain the situation to the people.

“I am confident we will have a better infrastructure in the end,” he said.

Dr Muscat also spoke on employment, saying his government in just 18 months created double the number of jobs created in the last legislature. However, it was not enough to create work, as more than half these jobs were being taken up by foreigners. The government was doing its utmost to ensure there were enough Maltese trained for the jobs being created.

“I accept criticism and I can assure you we use it to improve our performance. However, I can feel a sense of optimism in the country at the moment. This is a government that is delivering, especially in the economic spheres with results beyond people’s wildest dreams,” he said.