Part of Regional Road will be closed for traffic this weekend to let off fireworks for the Msida feast, a measure that is once again expected to spark massive traffic jams.

The arterial road linking the St Venera bypass to the Tal-Qroqq tunnels will be closed while traffic through the only alternate route via Msida centre will be also restricted due to the feast of St Joseph.

No such fuss was made when fireworks were let off earlier this month from the same site the feast of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Ħamrun

The measure could not be more ill-timed since thousands are expected to attend mass events around the area, including the Malta Jazz Festival and the Marsovin Wine Festival in Valletta.

Contacted by Times of Malta, the Msida police station confirmed that a permit had been issued to close off part of Regional Road for the fireworks to be let off from Swatar in a display organised by the Msida Pyrotechnic Society.

This newspaper was also told the police would eventually issue a statement to notify motorists on the traffic deviations and the times during which access to Regional Road would be closed.

However, no such statement was issued before going to print.

The issue of this permit last year had stoked controversy as the authorities had decided to stop the closure in 2008, following the opening of Mater Dei Hospital.

The refusal had been justified on the grounds that closing this traffic artery would hinder access to ambulances.

However, following the change in government, the decision was reversed and fireworks enthusiasts were given permission to let off petards from a field in Swatar.

Nevertheless, no fireworks displays were held last year, in respect of two Msida pyrotechnicians who had been injured in an accident some months before.

Last year, the permit was issued on condition that the fireworks display would be limited to two, one-hour sessions on Saturday and Sunday.

It was also agreed that in case of an emergency, the display would be halted to allow the safe passage of an ambulance.

Times of Malta yesterday contacted Raymond Sultana from the Msida Pyrotechnic Society to learn whether the same measures would apply this year.

He would only say they had everything in order and had the right to celebrate their feast like any other village in Malta.

“No such fuss was made when fireworks were let off earlier this month from the same site for the feast of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Ħamrun,” an irate Mr Sultana said, before hanging up the phone abruptly.