Extensive road works are currently being carried out by the Żebbuġ, Gozo, council in Marsalforn.

The work is being done in winter in time for summer when the town becomes a main attraction for tourists and locals.

The council is carrying out the work through the assistance of the Parliamentary Secretariat for Public Consultation.

During a visit, Parliamentary Secretary Chris Said praised initiatives which promoted better roads for the benefit of locals and tourists, on whom the country’s economy depended.

The government, he said, allocated councils 5.2 million euros for road works this year with which it was estimated that 170 residential roads would be resurfaced.

A million euro fund to help councils enter into public private partnerships with private contractors was also set up. The contractors would carry out the works and remain responsible for them for 10 years.

Dr Said it was believed that through this fund another eight to 10 million euros would be spent on residential roads.