Prime Minister Robert Abela today officially inaugurated the flyover as part of the Msida Creek infrastructure project. This inauguration marks an important milestone towards the completion of this essential infrastructure project that is continuing to modernise one of the most strategic areas in our country’s road network.
During the inauguration, the Prime Minister stressed that thanks to the strong will and determination with which this project was worked on, today we have reached a significant milestone. He recalled that this is a massive €35 million project, financed entirely from public funds. Prime Minister Robert Abela emphasised that the country’s economic strength allows for infrastructure investments of this magnitude. In this context, he referred to the recent conclusions of the International Monetary Fund, which a few days ago confirmed that Malta has a resilient, dynamic and remarkable economy.
“This flyover is a high-quality project, built by the Maltese for the Maltese. The 270 tonnes of steel that make up this structure were designed and manufactured locally, a clear testament to the skills, innovation and capacity of Maltese industry. In this way, not only was modern infrastructure created, but a strong boost was given to local industry,” stressed Dr Abela.
The Prime Minister also noted the extraordinary efficiency with which this flyover was carried out, as in seven months since the works began, this important step was achieved, with the least possible inconvenience to residents and activity in these areas. This is as much as most of the works were carried out at night or on weekends.
“In the next phase of the project led by Infrastructure Malta, Msida will benefit from a new square, more open spaces for families, safer roads and paths for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as a modern service system that addresses the problem of flooding in this area. All this so that, at the end of the project, it can be said that a future-proof infrastructural investment has been carried out that has substantially modernised and improved this important area,” said the Prime Minister. He said that this project is another example of what can be achieved when the country unites and works with determination. “This flyover is not just steel and concrete, but proof that what these people dream of, can be realised,” added Dr Abela.
Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works Chris Bonett explained how this project was planned and divided into several phases, with preparatory work in advance intended to reduce as much as possible the impact on those passing through this area as well as on the surrounding residents. “From the beginning of the work on the project, we placed a strong emphasis on communication with the public, with any changes in the routes being announced weeks in advance so that people can plan their journey better,” said Minister Bonett.
“After the bridge connecting the Msida and Pietà waterfronts was inaugurated a few weeks ago, from tomorrow this flyover will also be used by vehicles. Although these structures are visibly large and important to the project, the benefits of the work we are doing will continue to be seen more clearly in the coming phases. With the creation of a new 300-metre channel, we will alleviate the problem of flooding while providing a new open space in the heart of the community that will reconnect the two sides of Msida,” concluded Minister Bonett.
Photos: OPM/DOI
