Infrastructure Malta has resumed its work to connect two roads in Dingli, which involves uprooting old carob trees, after an appeal filed by local activists was turned down.

The project, which will connect Sqaq il-Museum, Daħla tas-Sienja and Triq San Gwann Bosco in Dingli were halted soon after they began in October 2020.

It sparked objections from residents, farmers and activists due to the fact that it will destroy private fields, rooms used for farming and old carob trees.

However, Infrastructure Malta argued that the works were needed to grant emergency services access to areas that were previously unreachable.

Last week, the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal turned down an appeal filed by Moviment Graffiti against the permit to uproot three trees in the area, saying the appellants did not have a juridical interest to make such a request. It also denied allegations that Infrastructure Malta illegally uprooted trees when works started in October.

It also reconfirmed its approval for uprooting the trees in question, explaining that it requested Infrastructure Malta to plant 30 new trees as “compensation.”

In October, Movement Graffitti gathered at Daħla tas-Sienja to stage a protest against said development. After around four hours of demonstrations, heavy machinery which had been on site since early morning was seen driving away as protestors claimed the temporary victory.

Dingli resident Gerald Lapira also highlighted that the remnants of Santa Duminka church, which was built in the 15th century, are being threatened by this project.

However, Infrastructure Malta added that it is working with the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage to make sure that the church, which is a short distance away from the new street’s alignment, is not adversely impacted by the required works.

The project is expected to be completed in the coming months.

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