Updated Friday 12.20pm with TM reaction

Swieqi residents were furious after delayed roadworks forced two ambulances to park far from a patient who needed medical help. 

According to witnesses, paramedics ended up wheeling a stretcher on a pavement for some 200 metres to reach a woman who was feeling unwell. Her condition is not yet known. 

Works on the road have been going on for around two months, with access to the road blocked around two weeks ago. The heavy machinery blocking the road could only be moved once the contractor was called in.

The incident in Triq il-Giżimin Thursday morning left residents and the Swieqi mayor Noel Muscat seething.

Mr Muscat said the incident showed the way local councils had become helpless since they have no authority over what Transport Malta and the contractors can do.

The ambulance could not get through, according to residents.

One resident pointed out: "When we were informed that road access would be blocked, we were immediately concerned that there would be issues with an emergency." 

Others were concerned that a fire engine would not be able to have access to the road in case of a fire.

Hundreds of people reside in the road, which is “not one of the worst roads” and did not need immediate repair, the mayor said, clarifying that the works were not ordered by the local council.

"This is a very long road, with not one single side road," Mr Muscat said.

“What would have happened if a bigger accident happened?"

In a reply, Transport Malta said it is completing the rebuilding of Triq il-Giżimin, which it said was implemented in consultation with the Swieqi council, and which was kept informed of all developments.

Final asphalting works started on Friday and will be completed within a few days.

TM said the road was closed to traffic during the road works to ensure the safety of road users.

"Transport Malta also noted the concerns reported by the residents, including the incident mentioned, and took necessary action to reduce these difficulties."