The paving project at The Strand in Sliema has been delayed for the second time and is now expected to be completed by the end of the week.

Another three days were lost due to last week’s downpour... should be ready by week’s end

The project, being carried out by workers from the Resources and Rural Affairs Ministry, has already been delayed by a week because of the bad weather and was supposed to have been wrapped up by the end of last week.

However, a ministry spokesman said that, due to last week’s downpour, another three days were lost and the paving should now be ready by week’s end.

The completion of this project will bring to an end the almost two-month inconvenience suffered by shoppers and business owners as well as by motorists who have had to bear the increased traffic and ­congestion.

The €120,000 project includes the re-laying of sewage and water pipes as well as high tension electricity cables. Residents last week complained that the government should have ensured embellishment works in such a popular area be carried out over a shorter period of time, even working around the clock if need be.

Some residents and motorists were also upset about two private construction projects metres away from The Strand which has turned the popular tourist area into a mess of concrete and mud.