During a visit to Mtarfa, Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects Ian Borg announced that Infrastructure Malta is nearing the final stages of upgrade works at Għajn Qajjet Road, between Għeriexem Road in Rabat and the Mtarfa Bypass, to facilitate safer vehicular and pedestrian connections between these two localities. Also present was Mtarfa Mayor Daniel Attard.
“We were aware of the fact that this is a frequently used area and therefore we had to intervene to make sure that both the residents of Mtarfa and all those who use this bypass experience a safe and secure environment. People’s safety remains one of our top priorities and in every project we carry out, including today’s, we make sure that this element is provided”, said Minister Ian Borg.
Infrastructure Malta redesigned this road to include a new 200-metre footpath. The new footpath will be linked to the paved pathways of the Għeriexem Belvedere and to the existing footpath along the Mtarfa Bypass, to create a 2.3 kilometre pedestrian route from the Roman Domus area of Rabat to the eastern end of the Mtarfa Bypass.
In the meantime, through this upgrade, Infrastructure Malta is also alleviating the long-standing flooding difficulties of this area, with the laying of a half kilometre stretch of new pipeline, instead of the pre-existing narrow culvert.
Workers are also improving the stormwater catchments along this road, to increase their efficiency. This reinforcement will complement the new stormwater system forming part of the Għeriexem Belvedere Project, to channel rainwater from several Rabat and Mtarfa streets to nearby natural valleys and watercourses.
Infrastructure Malta is currently also rebuilding Kavallier Vincenzo Bonello Street, another major road leading to Mtarfa.
Mtarfa Mayor Daniel Attard expressed the satisfaction of the council with this project, which in his words will not only improve safety for drivers, but will also offer a better infrastructure for all those who use this area for recreational purposes.
He concluded that through this project and others being carried out, the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects is of great benefit to residents and is making a positive difference in the lives of Mtarfa’s families and the surrounding area.
