More than 100 roads faced maintenance works over the past few weeks, including a number in touristic areas, despite a legal notice forbidding roadworks in such places during summer.
But while the Malta Tourism Authority is quick to point out the benefits such maintenance works will have on the industry, the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association underlined the need for better coordination.
The Sunday Times asked Transport Malta for a list of all the roads undergoing works throughout July. The information supplied shows 48 roads were underwent minor works (like connecting sewers to homes), 50 roads were affected by standard works (like trenches and residential road construction) and seven roads were undergoing major works (on arterial roads).
“The works that fall under the minor and standard categories are considered normal for this time of the year,” a spokesman for Transport Malta said.
Asked specifically about the roads leading to the airport, where diversions have been in place for weeks due to works, Transport Malta said the road in Marsa formed part of the Trans European Road Network (TEN-T), which was partially funded by the EU.
Other roads forming part of the TEN-T Network and on which reconstruction works are currently being carried out include Xatt l-Għassara tal-Għeneb in Marsa, part of Triq il-Marfa, Ċirkewwa and part of Triq l-Imġarr, Gozo.
“The roads have been chosen following detailed studies which highlighted the need for the upgrade of these strategically important stretches to the Maltese road network due to their fundamental importance for the mobility of people and goods,” said the spokesman, adding that works were progressing well.
Asked about roadworks in touristic areas being carried out in summer, Transport Malta acknowledged the legal notice issued by the planning authority but said: “Every roadworks’ permit application received which falls within the published zones, is forwarded to MTA and MHRA for their feedback. Permits for the execution of such works are issued only if these entities approve.”
When contacted, MTA CEO Josef Formosa Gauci said the road works in Marsa, Ċirkewwa and Gozo were aimed at significantly improving and upgrading major arterial roads which were particularly relevant to the tourism sector.
“Taking into account the scope of the works being carried out and the fact that the time-frames involved contemplate a year’s work or so, it is logical that the work will carry on during summer.
“The MTA feels that, once concluded, both arterial roads from which tourists pass continuously will be far better than ever before. Moreover, we are also satisfied that good and viable alternative routes have been provided in the interim.”
But MHRA president George Micallef is less impressed, even though he too acknowledged that major works sometimes had to spill over into summer.
He said there should be “much better coordination” to ensure works are staggered and not all conducted at once, and with other construction works to boot. This annoyed tourists, he added.
“Imagine you’re a tourist residing in an area where there’s already lots of construction and the project management leaves a lot to be desired. Then you experience all the traffic on the roads. In most cases you’re unlucky enough to have to wait for the public transport and then you’re diverted because of the works. So the problem is compounded.”
Asked about the legal notice preventing summer works in touristic areas he said: “There’s a big distinction between regulation and enforcement. We have a number of regulations but we lack enforcement.”
And while Transport Malta engaged in consultation, this too sometimes left much to be desired, he said.
“We are consulted, but we are one of many parties involved. It also depends when you are consulted. In many cases the decision has already been taken and all you can do is try to minimise the impact.”