An investigation has been launched into complaints that water leakages at a number of garages along Ta’ Xbiex seafront could be linked to heavy vehicles using an overlying road.

This was confirmed by a Transport Ministry spokeswoman who was reacting to complaints that the temporary closure of vehicular access along the seafront had resulted in excessive traffic which the alternative thoroughfare could not take.

The closure was forced by excavation works linked to the flood relief project, through which rainwater will be channelled into the sea through a series of tunnels.

Consequently, all traffic through the seafront was diverted through Triq ir-Rampa, a secondary road overlying the garages.

While pointing out that no reports of cracks in the garage structures underneath were received, the spokeswoman said the alleged problem had to do with the seepage of rainwater through the road surface.

It was agreed that any damages would have to be covered by the contractor

She added that the ministry was still investigating the issue due to the fact that underground structures usually had their own waterproofing protection.

The ministry noted that the traffic deviation, which has been in place for nearly a year, was requested by the contractor and approved by Transport Malta.

It was also agreed that any damages would have to be covered by the contractor.

The spokeswoman pointed out that the contractor had cleaned up the area with a sweeper and sprayed the site with water to mitigate the dust caused by the excavation works.

Asked about the fact that works on the project had fallen two months behind schedule, the ministry said the delay was the result of a decision to extend the project by an additional 1.3 kilometres.

The spokeswoman added that the project was expected to be completed by next autumn. A number of garage owners who spoke with Times of Malta noted that problems surfaced last autumn, when water started seeping through the ceiling and walls each time there was a storm. They also complained that work on the project was progressing at a very slow pace.

Ta’ Xbiex mayor Max Zammit confirmed that a number of reports had been filed with the council, including by nearby residents who complained about the inconvenience caused by the dusty environment resulting from the excavation works.

While noting that the council had referred the complaints to the transport ministry, Mr Zammit said it was trying to mitigate the situation by cleansing the area more frequently.