Road resurfacing at The Ferries, in Sliema, was redone at the contractor's expense because the asphalt laid in December was of sub-standard quality.

"Inspections carried out by Transport Malta after the laying of asphalt revealed that the material used was of sub-standard quality... Remedial works were carried out between Monday and Tuesday last week at the contractor's expense," a spokesman for Transport Malta said.

Following consultations with the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises - GRTU and the shops in the area, it had been decided that the remedial works be postponed till after Christmas and the sales period.

The repair work is estimated to cost the contractor, V&C Contractors, about €20,000.

Meanwhile, the spokesman said another contractor, Bitmac, and its sub-contractor Road Servicing Ltd, that had resurfaced a stretch at Triq is-Salini, close to Kennedy Grove, were also ordered to redo the work as the asphalt used was sub-standard.

Again, this work, which was originally done in December, will be carried out at the contractor's expense.