Roadworks are ongoing on Triq Ċensu Tabone, Sliema and George Borg Olivier, Sliema which stretch across Balluta to the start of Spinola. These roads are expected to be closed until Friday 16th May.

Swieqi Road, the roundabout on Triq Gort and Triq Elija Zammit, St Julian’s, as well as Triq Professur W. Ganado, Pembroke, have also been closed.

These works are apart of a massive nation-wide project to lay over 60 kilometres of new underground cables to reinforce Malta’s electricity grid that often fails under the intense summer demand.

Roadworks at night

Residents have told Lovin Malta that they’d rather roadworks continue at night – until 11pm – so that the they can be reopened quicker.

Responding to questions, both Enemalta and Infrastructure Malta said that the option of extending work into the evening is “always evaluated but not always feasible”.

“In high-density urban zones such as Sliema and St Julian’s, concerns regarding noise and disruption have limited our ability to carry out works during late hours.”

Both Enemalta and IM assured that they engaged with multiple stakeholders during the planning phase. This includes the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association, local councils, and relevant government entities.

“Input from these discussions played a key role in shaping the schedule and approach to minimise impact wherever possible, with weekly meetings being held.”

Meanwhile, Dalli denied claims that the Local Council was avidly against the continuation of roadworks throughout the night.

“If Transport Malta told us they wanted to work at night so a road is completed in two days rather than six, we would’ve said yes,” he explained.

Dalli stressed that late-night works would be acceptable if they involved laying cables or pouring cement, but not trenching, as this would cause significant disruption to residents.

Asked if he was satisfied with Enemalta, Infrastructure Malta and Transport Malta’s handling of this project, Dalli said he would’ve rather the works were carried out during the years and not in a “rushed panic”. However, he acknowledged that after last summer’s power cuts and subsequent public outrage, there was the need for a quick fix.

“They’ve worked hard not to have a repeat of the same problem. Now we’ll see if this will yield better results.”

While they seem to be cooperating well, Dalli’s next goal is to get the government to fix the tarmac damages these works have caused.

On Monday, Main Street, St Julian’s will be closed and works to trench the road will begin. This is expected to last some two or three weeks.

A resident’s take

One resident speaking on the condition of anonymity to Lovin Malta argued road works should continue at night.

Most residents would prefer to endure the noise of these works until 11pm for roads to reopen in three days than be stuck in gridlock traffic for two weeks, he said.

He further questioned why roads in non-residential areas – like Triq Elija Zammit – do not operate with a different schedule.

“Triq San Ġiljan is one thing, but Triq Elija Zammit could have been a one night job. The result? A major disaster in St Julian’s and Swieqi which is now spilling over into Pembroke.”

He criticised the scheduling decision calling it inefficient and arguing that the cost of “accommodating a couple of residents” was not worth it.

What’s your take on this? Should major roadworks continue at night?