The monti hawkers are expected to relocate from Merchants to Ordnance Street in Valletta by the end of next month if all goes to plan and the City Gate project is completed, Times of Malta has learnt.
“All is in place and they should be moving by the end of January,” a spokesman from the Economy Ministry confirmed yesterday.
“The only thing we’re waiting for is the City Gate project to be wrapped up. If it is completed before the end of January, they will relocate earlier in the month.”
Infrastructure Minister Joe Mizzi yesterday held a press conference announcing the completion of the paving works at Ordnance Street, at a cost of about €350,000. This includes material and labour, changes in the Water Services mains and the laying down of Enemalta cables.
The new paving is made from lava and hardstone and is spread over 1,200 square metres. Mr Mizzi said his ministry had collaborated with the Economy Ministry to design and construct uniform stalls for the market.
The 74 hawkers entered into discussions with the government early in 2013, asking to move towards the centre of the capital.
In the November 2013 Budget, the government promised that the move would be completed by this year. Finance Minister Edward Scicluna had said that the relocation would benefit both hawkers and consumers by making the market more accessible as well as breathing life into the business district.
The move was criticised for being an unsightly addition to the capital’s entrance, which has been given a major facelift under the direction of world-renowned architect Renzo Piano.
Speaking at yesterday’s press conference, Mr Mizzi said that other paving works in Valletta were expected to start shortly, including works on Mikiel Anton Vassalli Street, Old Treasury Street and Strait Street. Works on a number of bronze monuments which dotted Valletta had also been completed, including those to Dun Mikiel Xerri, Ġorġ Borg Olivier, Pawlu Boffa, Manwel Dimech and Nerik Mizzi. Restoration work on part of the House of Catalunya was also finalised while works were under way on the dome of the St Augustine Church and Upper Barrakka monuments.
Next year will see restoration works on the Triton Fountain, the Wignacourt fountain in St Philip’s Garden, Floriana, and the Wignacourt Tower next to Sarria Church.