The Birżebbuġa local council is appealing to Transport Malta to complete roadworks that came to a standstill when a contractor was blacklisted seven months ago.

Residents of Dar ta’ Pultu Street were suffering because works were halted and never started again, mayor Joe Farrugia said in a press conference. Labour spokesman Stefan Buontempo explained that last February the contractor had been suspended by the transport authority and since then no one had been assigned to surface the road.

Residents had the right to enjoy their property without any obstacles. “These people can’t go into their own road. It’s a clear, blatant case of bureaucracy,” he said.

At least 10 families, including a person who used a wheelchair and whose mobility was limited because of the bad state of the road, were suffering.

During the press conference, which took place onsite, a mechanical shovel was pouring cement in a section of the road – in front of the disabled person’s residence – while a worker levelled it out.

“This cement is being laid because the authorities found out about the press conference.

“It’s good that it’s being done but why did we have to call a press conference for it to happen,” Mr Buontempo asked.

Surrounded by councillors, Mr Farrugia said the road had to be resurfaced properly and urged the transport authority to take action. It took Transport Malta seven months to issue an order to lay the cement.

“They would be happy with a layer of cement until the road is resurfaced properly,” he said.

The road had been in a disastrous state for at least 20 years and was used by many people who went to Borġ in-Nadur area, he added.