Work on the second phase of the €2 million Marsaxlokk promenade is to start in the coming days, the Rural Affairs Ministry said.

The ministry said in a statement that the first phase, which saw the expansion and repaving of the pavement on the side of the buildings, was completed last year. The second phase will see the embellishment of the promenade on the side of the sea.

The ministry said discussions were held with all concerned including the council, monti hawkers and the Chamber of Small and Medium Enterprises, GRTU.

Conflicting views were expressed during the meetings and the government made it clear that while it was determined to continue with the project, it was not willing to embellish the promenade for this to be damaged as would be the case if it continued to be used as at present.

The ministry thanked all involved in the talks and said it appreciated the fact that everyone understood the importance of the work.

It said it believed that in the interest of all, the market should continue to be set up in the same place as at present, in two long rows along the promenade but once the work was concluded vans would not be allowed behind the stalls.

These could be left at the parking space under the pavement so that they would not be far away from the hawkers.

Until the works were concluded and the road was reasphalted, the market would move to the zone known as tal-Maghluq.