Gżira residents have received assurances that the prolonged construction work on a 250-metre segment of Triq Manoel De Vilhena will be completed by October, approximately one year since its commencement.

This update from the Public Works Department follows a notable public protest by the town’s inhabitants, voicing their distress over the disruption caused by the delayed works.

A social media update from the department highlighted that the project faced a pause because the contractor, J Construction Limited, encountered issues procuring the essential materials.

The required materials are now in hand, and the department confirmed on social media that construction has resumed.

Speaking to the Times of Malta, a representative of the department indicated that, contingent upon the steady supply of materials, the project is anticipated to conclude in the upcoming 10 weeks.

Triq Manoel De Vilhena, situated in Gżira, is central to many businesses, such as cafes, pharmacies, grocery shops, and the town’s prominent parish church.

During a recent public protest, Gżira mayor Conrad Borg Manche, along with local residents, vocalized their exasperation. Borg Manche pointed out the struggles of the elderly navigating the irregular terrain and revealed that a young resident developed asthma since the construction commenced.

The initiative to revamp the street was approved by the Planning Authority under the reference PA/08173/18 back in 2019.

The design was conceived to prioritize pedestrian movement, modernize the infrastructure, and introduce new street amenities, all the while retaining vehicular accessibility. However, the project has been plagued with delays.

Originally slated to start in March 2022, the groundbreaking only occurred in October. Infrastructure Malta was in charge of the road’s reconstruction, including updates to services and stormwater systems, completing their phase by May. The Public Works Department then took over for paving.

Despite the break observed by numerous contractors during Santa Marija week, the department highlighted to the Times of Malta that efforts on the Gżira street persist.

If the contractor successfully receives the remaining tile consignments on schedule, the department anticipates the project’s completion by the third week of October.

They have also pledged to maximize efficiency and minimize disturbances for the local community and businesses. However, questions arise as to why a public protest was needed for this reassurance.

Have you been affected by delayed roadworks?